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The hantavirus outbreak has reached Europe, as confirmed by authorities, after a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship tested positive upon returning home. This concerning development was announced on Wednesday.
Swiss health officials reported that the man had traveled to South America with his wife before his diagnosis. The virus, known for its potential to remain dormant for up to eight weeks, was detected after his return last month.
Following an alert from Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise line, regarding the virus’s spread—which has resulted in three fatalities and at least five illnesses according to the World Health Organization—the man sought testing at a Zurich hospital.
Details about his condition remain undisclosed, while his wife, who hasn’t exhibited any symptoms, is taking precautionary measures by self-isolating.
Swiss authorities assured the public on Wednesday that “there is currently no risk to the Swiss public.”
However, the news is sparking panic given that the virus appears to be spreading via “human-to-human transmission” and can be dangerous for eight weeks — with the cruise stranded at sea with alarmed countries scared of allowing it to dock.
The virus is usually spread through rodent droppings – but one rare strain, the Andes virus, can spread between people and carries a 40% mortality rate – and it’s likely the culprit behind the outbreak.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, told reporters Tuesday that “we do believe there may be some human-to-human transmission among very close contacts.”
Three people have died as a result of the outbreak, according to the World Health Organization.
Meanwhile, three suspected patients have been evacuated from the MV Hondius in Cape Verde and are set to travel to the Netherlands, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, confirmed Wednesday.
“At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low,” he said.
The ship was stranded in West African waters after being denied permission to dock in Cape Verde due to health concerns.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez granted the vessel permission to dock in the Canary Islands – but the island’s regional leader, Fernando Clavijo, was left furious by the decision.
“I cannot allow it to enter the Canary Islands,” Fernando Clavijo told local media outlet Onda Cero.
“Neither the populace nor the government of the Canary Islands can rest assured because it is clear that the danger to the population is real.”
Clavijo, a conservative pol, has requested a meeting with socialist prime minister Sanchez.
The Madrid government said that, “Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens.”
The national government can overrule regional authorities in Spain under its constitution.
With Post wires