Photo: EPA
ECDC has sent an expert on board to assess the situation.
European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova stated that authorities are closely monitoring the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius and that there is currently no reason for concern regarding its potential spread across Europe. She added that the EU remains in contact with member states, the World Health Organization, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on the matter.
“Let me first say the most important thing. Based on the available data and the current situation, there is no reason for concern at this time,” Hrncirova said in a comment to a European Pravda correspondent. “We are monitoring the situation very closely. We are in contact with all the necessary authorities. In fact, we have been in contact since the very first day we were informed about the illness on the cruise ship.”
The disease prevention agency has already sent an expert to the vessel, where the situation is currently being assessed, the spokesperson added.
“At this stage, we are doing everything necessary to ensure that the situation is not underestimated and that we are prepared to respond at every stage of developments,” Hrncirova concluded.
As previously reported, a hantavirus outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, which is carrying nearly 150 people. So far, three deaths have been confirmed — a Dutch couple and a German citizen. The vessel remained stranded off the coast of Cape Verde for several days, but yesterday, following the emergency evacuation of three critically ill patients, it was cleared to sail to Tenerife, Spain.
