The EU has stated that all passengers on the liner with a hantavirus outbreak are considered high-risk contacts
Kyiv • UNN
Eight people fell ill on board the MV Hondius, and three passengers died from hantavirus. Everyone present on the vessel is being repatriated for mandatory self-isolation.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has stated that all passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius, where a hantavirus outbreak was recorded, are considered high-risk contacts. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
The vessel is scheduled to arrive at the island of Tenerife in Spain on Sunday, in the near future, after which countries will begin evacuating their citizens.
According to the World Health Organization, eight people on board fell ill, and three of them have died – a couple from the Netherlands and a German citizen. In six cases, hantavirus infection has already been confirmed, while two others remain suspected.
Passengers to be repatriated by special transport
The ECDC reported that asymptomatic passengers will be transported to their home countries via specially organized transport for further self-isolation.
The agency emphasized that upon returning home, not all passengers will necessarily remain in the high-risk category.
The ECDC also recommended that passengers with symptoms undergo immediate medical examination and testing.
Some of the sick may remain in isolation in Tenerife or be evacuated home for medical reasons.
Health authorities emphasize that the risk of widespread transmission of the virus remains low. Hantavirus is typically transmitted through rodents; however, certain strains can be transmitted from person to person.