"Global Response Unfolds as Hantavirus Outbreak Hits Cruise Ship: Multiple Countries Offer Repatriation Assistance A growing international response is underway to assist passengers and crew members affected by a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship. Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands have confirmed plans to send planes to repatriate their nationals, while the European Union is dispatching additional aircraft to transport remaining European citizens. The US and UK have also announced plans to provide evacuation assistance to non-EU citizens on board. The outbreak, which has resulted in eight reported cases and three deaths, has sparked a coordinated effort to prevent further spread of the virus. As authorities scramble to contain the situation, they are working to identify and monitor individuals who may have come into contact with the virus."
Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands have confirmed they will send planes to repatriate nationalsThe interior minister of Spain told Reuters on Saturday that Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands have confirmed they will send planes to repatriate nationals from their respective countries aboard the cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak.The European Union is sending two more planes for the remaining European citizens, and the US and UK have also confirmed planes and contingency plans for non-EU citizens.A total of 8 cases, including 3 deaths, have been reported as of Friday. Six of these cases cases are confirmed as Andes virus and four patients are currently hospitalised.One case previously reported as suspected hantavirus has now been reclassified as a non-case after testing negative for Andes (ANDV) virus.A man who disembarked in Tristan da Cunha on 14 April is currently stable and in isolation. He is currently a probable case until laboratory confirmation.Passengers who travelled on the same flight from St Helena to South Africa along with one of the confirmed cases have been contacted – 75 of those contacts have been identified in South Africa, of whom 42 have been traced by national authorities and are currently under monitoring. Continue reading...
