The chief of the World Health Organization is taking charge of the evacuation of over 140 individuals from a cruise ship affected by a severe hantavirus outbreak. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is traveling to Tenerife to ensure the safe disembarkation of passengers, crew, and health professionals.
The MV Hondius, flying the Dutch flag, is scheduled to reach the holiday island early on Sunday, with three fatalities reported in connection to the outbreak. Among the passengers were 19 British nationals and four British crew members, some of whom have been diagnosed with the hantavirus.
Health officials have evacuated infected individuals to various locations for treatment, with plans for the remaining passengers to undergo testing upon their return to the UK. Those showing symptoms will be isolated for 45 days, following a similar protocol as the one implemented for UK citizens during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WHO has confirmed that no one currently on board the MV Hondius is displaying symptoms of the virus. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Spain’s Health Minister, along with the WHO Director-General, will supervise the disembarkation process in Tenerife, ensuring that passengers are isolated in a secure area upon arrival. Measures are in place to facilitate the repatriation of Dutch nationals and to monitor the health of all individuals exposed to the outbreak.
The hantavirus, primarily spread through contaminated rodent droppings, has raised concerns due to potential human-to-human transmission in rare cases. Efforts are underway to trace and monitor individuals who may have been in contact with infected passengers, with health authorities working diligently to prevent further spread of the virus.