Reacción a "Spain will receive the cruise ship with an outbreak of hantavirus to the Canary Islands, following a request from the WHO and the EU"

There is no risk to the general public. If the ship docks in the Canary Islands, health authorities and public health services can conduct a new assessment of the health status of all passengers and crew and determine who should receive medical care and/or be medically evacuated to their countries of origin, and who can remain on the ship and continue the scheduled voyage, while being properly informed of the precautions they must follow and the possible warning signs that would indicate the need to consult medical services.

If hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is suspected, patients should be transferred to an emergency department or an intensive care unit for evaluation, monitoring, and supportive treatment.

In the context of the current outbreak, passengers on board and the crew should practice frequent hand hygiene, remain alert for symptoms of hantavirus, and actively monitor for symptoms for approximately 45 days.

The crew must ensure proper cleaning and adequate ventilation on the ship.

National and international coordination is of the utmost importance to adequately monitor the progression of this outbreak.