EU Classifies All Passengers on Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Near Tenerife as High-Risk
Precautionary Measures and Response to Hantavirus Outbreak
Overview of the Outbreak
May 9 (Reuters) - All passengers on the cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak are considered high-risk contacts as a precautionary measure, Europe's public health agency said ahead of the ship's expected anchoring on Sunday off the Spanish island of Tenerife.
Passenger Repatriation and Quarantine Protocols
Arrangements for Symptom-Free Passengers
Passengers without symptoms will be repatriated for self-quarantine via specially arranged transport, not regular commercial flights, by their respective countries, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said on Saturday as part of its rapid scientific advice.
Evacuation Plans and Case Statistics
Countries were preparing to evacuate their citizens from the MV Hondius around 0630-0700 GMT. Eight people have fallen ill, including three who died - a Dutch couple and a German national - the World Health Organization said on Friday. Six of the eight are confirmed to have contracted the virus, with another two suspected cases, the WHO has said.
Risk Assessment and Health Agency Guidance
High-Risk Classification Details
Although at disembarkation, passengers will be considered high-risk, not all will necessarily be considered high-risk upon return to their home countries, the ECDC said.
Medical Assessment and Isolation Procedures
The agency urged symptomatic passengers to be prioritised for medical assessment and testing on arrival, adding they may isolate in Tenerife or be medically evacuated home, depending on their condition.
Transmission and Public Health Risk
Virus Transmission Pathways
Usually the virus is spread by rodents but can in rare cases be transmitted person to person. Health authorities have said the risk of the virus spreading is low.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)
