Hantavirus hits cruise ship, WHO: All on board are high-risk contacts, monitored for 42 days
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that all personnel on board the Dutch cruise ship 'MV Hondius', which experienced a deadly hantavirus outbreak, are considered 'high-risk contacts' and must undergo 42 days of active surveillance.
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GENEVA/MADRID (Central News Agency, May 9, Comprehensive Foreign Report) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that all personnel on board the Dutch-flagged cruise ship 'MV Hondius', which is experiencing a deadly hantavirus outbreak, are considered 'high-risk contacts' and must undergo 42 days of active surveillance.
According to Agence France-Presse, approximately 150 people are currently on board the affected MV Hondius, which is sailing towards the waters off Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands.
Three passengers have unfortunately died on the cruise ship, including a Dutch couple and a German woman. There are currently 8 confirmed and suspected cases.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, stated during a social media event: "We are listing everyone on board as so-called high-risk contacts."
She noted that currently "no one on board is showing any symptoms," but added, "it is recommended that all disembarking passengers and crew undergo 42 days of active follow-up and observation."
Nevertheless, she emphasized that the risk remains "very low" for the general public and for residents of Tenerife, where the Hondius is scheduled to dock tomorrow.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through infected rodents. The only known hantavirus that can be transmitted between humans is the Andes virus strain, which has been detected in 6 confirmed patients on board, raising international concern.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said today that it is Spain's "responsibility" to allow the Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands to evacuate passengers and provide a safe harbor for the ship.
Sanchez posted on social media platform X after meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Madrid, stating that allowing this action "is a moral and legal responsibility, both for our citizens and for European and international law." (Compiler: Tsai Chia-min) 1150510
According to Agence France-Presse, approximately 150 people are currently on board the affected MV Hondius, which is sailing towards the waters off Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands.
Three passengers have unfortunately died on the cruise ship, including a Dutch couple and a German woman. There are currently 8 confirmed and suspected cases.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, stated during a social media event: "We are listing everyone on board as so-called high-risk contacts."
She noted that currently "no one on board is showing any symptoms," but added, "it is recommended that all disembarking passengers and crew undergo 42 days of active follow-up and observation."
Nevertheless, she emphasized that the risk remains "very low" for the general public and for residents of Tenerife, where the Hondius is scheduled to dock tomorrow.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through infected rodents. The only known hantavirus that can be transmitted between humans is the Andes virus strain, which has been detected in 6 confirmed patients on board, raising international concern.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said today that it is Spain's "responsibility" to allow the Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands to evacuate passengers and provide a safe harbor for the ship.
Sanchez posted on social media platform X after meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Madrid, stating that allowing this action "is a moral and legal responsibility, both for our citizens and for European and international law." (Compiler: Tsai Chia-min) 1150510