A health crisis has unfolded at sea as a cruise ship battling a deadly hantavirus outbreak nears Spain's Canary Islands. Nearly 150 passengers and crew members, who have spent weeks navigating the ocean, are now awaiting evacuation in Tenerife to be flown back to their respective home countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak has seen six laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus, specifically identified as the Andes virus (ANDV), out of eight suspected cases. The situation has proven severe, with three deaths reported, resulting in a case fatality ratio of 38%.
In a statement released as of May 8, the WHO provided a nuanced risk assessment of the event. While the organization evaluates the risk to the general global population as low, it has categorized the risk for those currently on the ship as moderate.
To prevent further spread and ensure passenger safety, the WHO has classified everyone on board as "high-risk" contacts. As a precautionary measure, all individuals are required to undergo active monitoring for a period of 42 days.
Health authorities and the WHO continue to monitor the epidemiological situation closely as the vessel arrives in Spain, ensuring that all necessary protocols are followed to contain the virus and provide medical care for those affected.
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WHO chief travels to Tenerife as hantavirus ship nears Spain
cgtn.com
