The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted countries to brace for more hantavirus cases following a severe incident involving a French woman onboard the MV Hondius. She contracted the virus and is currently on a ventilator in Paris. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, commended Spain for accepting the cruise ship and emphasized the importance of adhering to WHO guidelines, which include a 42-day quarantine and meticulous monitoring of high-risk contacts.
At a press conference in Madrid, Tedros noted that while there is no current indication of a widespread outbreak, the situation is fluid, and the lengthy incubation period of the virus means additional cases could surface in the coming weeks. Health officials in Paris reported that the French patient, aged 65 and with pre-existing conditions, was moved to intensive care, showing the virus’s most severe cardiopulmonary symptoms. Dr. Xavier Lescure mentioned that she is now reliant on an artificial lung and a blood bypass as part of her treatment.
Meanwhile, the Spanish health ministry confirmed that out of the 14 Spaniards evacuated from the MV Hondius and quarantined at a military hospital in Madrid, one individual tested positive for hantavirus. The patient, who initially exhibited low-grade fever and mild respiratory symptoms, remains stable with no significant clinical deterioration at present. The ministry’s statement underscores the vigilance required as more cases are anticipated.
Discussing the ship’s circumstances, Tedros, alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, acknowledged the likelihood of further cases due to the interactions among passengers before the first case emerged on May 2. The index case was identified on April 6, and with a six to eight-week incubation period, the virus might appear in more individuals who were onboard during the early stages of the outbreak.
Tedros emphasized the responsibility of individual countries to care for their citizens following the evacuation. He expressed hope that nations would support affected individuals while also safeguarding their populations. The situation underscores the critical need for international cooperation and adherence to health protocols to manage potential outbreaks effectively.