FLASH NEWS
Hantavirus/ European Center shares new guidelines on how to manage the risk! What will happen to passengers who have symptoms?
2026-05-10 00:00:09 / BOTA
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued guidelines for the management of passengers and crew of the MV Hondius who may have been exposed to hantavirus.
The guidelines are addressed to EU/EEA public health authorities, healthcare professionals and transport personnel involved in disembarking, transporting, monitoring and caring for passengers.
Italian virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, director of the School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine at the State University of Milan, also spoke about this.
What should healthcare professionals do?
For healthcare workers, ECDC recommends increased protective measures during medical contacts.
In particular, the use of gloves, a medical uniform, an FFP2 respirator mask and eye protection is recommended. Medical masks, good ventilation of the premises, as well as cleaning and disinfection measures are also recommended.
All passengers will be required to wear a medical face mask during procedures.
"They are zoonotic viruses, that is, viruses that are transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. They naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans. To date, human-to-human transmission has only been documented for the Andes virus, spread mainly in Argentina and Chile, which is also the variant that caused the outbreak on the MV Hondius."
What will happen to passengers who have symptoms?
Passengers displaying symptoms should be assessed and tested as a priority. Depending on their clinical condition and the operational decisions of the authorities, they may remain in isolation in Tenerife or be transferred to their country of origin for isolation.
If the test result is positive, medical care and isolation measures will continue. If the result is negative, the ECDC notes that quarantine and monitoring measures may continue for up to six weeks, as a precautionary approach.
Asymptomatic people are considered high risk as a precaution.
Asymptomatic passengers are currently being treated as high-risk contacts as a precautionary measure. Their repatriation will take place by specially organised transport from their countries, in cooperation with the European Civil Protection Mechanism. The ECDC clarifies that no regular commercial flights will be used.
Upon their return, they will be placed in self-quarantine in their country of origin. If they develop symptoms, they will be required to undergo medical evaluation and diagnostic tests.
However, the final risk classification may change. Over the past two days, the public health team on board has conducted interviews with all passengers. Based on this information, it is possible that some will not be considered high risk upon their return and may be subject to less stringent measures.
European support in Spain
The ECDC has already sent an expert on board. In parallel, Spain has requested additional support through the EU Health Task Force.
This includes an additional ECDC expert and two fellows from the European Training Programme in Intervention Epidemiology.
The additional expert will support coordination with partners and act as a liaison between ECDC and national and regional authorities in Spain and the Canary Islands. He will also provide technical support for preparedness and response actions, when needed.
What can we do to prevent the spread?
"Prevention of Hantavirus infection depends primarily on reducing contact between humans and rodents. However, standard measures against respiratory diseases also apply: frequent hand washing, covering the airways when coughing or sneezing, and, when necessary, maintaining physical distance."
Measures against rodents should also be taken: keeping home and workplace environments clean, reducing food sources and places where rats can hide, closing cracks and entrances that allow them to enter buildings, storing food and waste in closed containers, and using safe cleaning procedures in areas contaminated by rodents or their droppings.
Is wearing a mask recommended?
"I would say no. Masks can only be recommended for those who have to enter environments where rodents may be present."
What should those planning trips to Argentina or South America do?
“Currently there are no restrictions and people can travel. My advice is to monitor the 'Viaggiare Sicuri' website of the Italian Foreign Ministry. Also, in Argentina and elsewhere in the world, places where people's entry is restricted should be avoided, such as the Ushuaia landfill where the Dutch couple is suspected of being infected.”
What about those who have booked a cruise?
"I believe that after this case, hygiene measures will be strengthened even more. I think it is currently safe to travel by plane, ferry or train."
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