A hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise expedition has made its way to Europe, with a passenger testing positive after returning home, officials announced on Wednesday.
Swiss health authorities identified the individual who became ill following a journey aboard the MV Hondius alongside his wife. This diagnosis came after Oceanwide Expeditions alerted passengers about the outbreak.
The virus has a dormant phase of up to eight weeks, leading to concerns regarding its potential spread.
While the current health status of the man remains undisclosed, his wife is self-isolating despite not exhibiting any symptoms. Swiss officials reassured the public with statements indicating no immediate risk exists.
However, this assurance has not alleviated anxiety among the populace as investigations continue into possible unusual cases of “human-to-human transmission,” which diverges from the typical rodent-to-human infection route.
Experts highlight that while hantavirus is mainly transmitted via exposure to infected rodent waste, a rare variant known as the Andes virus poses a 40% mortality threat and can spread between humans.
Maria Van Kerkhove from the World Health Organization mentioned that indications suggest some limited human-to-human transfers are occurring in close contact situations.
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The outbreak has claimed three lives and affected at least five others, as reported by the WHO.
Meanwhile, the situation aboard the MV Hondius remains precarious, as the vessel is under scrutiny after being stranded off West Africa due to health-related docking refusals.
Three suspected cases from the ship were recently evacuated to the Netherlands, as confirmed by WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Despite the rising concern, he reassured that the overall public health risks are considered low.
The ship’s docking permission was granted by Spain’s central government in the Canary Islands, leading to protests from local officials worried about potential health threats.
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Regional leader Fernando Clavijo expressed serious concerns, stating, “I cannot allow it to enter the Canary Islands,” emphasizing the real danger posed to local residents.
Clavijo has urged immediate discussions with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez amid rising tensions between local and national authorities.
Madrid asserted its commitment to assisting those affected, including several Spanish citizens, citing a constitutional right to act despite regional opposition.
