Groups of passengers and crew have disembarked from a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak in Tenerife, with government evacuation flights departing on Sunday to transport them to their home countries. Once there, they will be isolated according to national protocols to prevent further spread of the disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended a 42-day quarantine for all passengers from the boat from Sunday, with Spanish passengers set to be kept in hospital for the full 42 days, while French passengers will be hospitalised for 72 hours, then allowed home to self-isolate for a further 45 days.Â
The virus is usually spread by rodents, but can also be transmitted person to person in rare cases of close contact. It was first detected on May 2 by health officials in Johannesburg, South Africa, who were treating a British man who fell ill 21 days after another passenger had died. The WHO has confirmed six cases tied to the cruise ship with three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German national.Â
Also Read: South Africa Confirms Two Hantavirus Cases Linked to Ship
Final flights will depart on Monday, while the WHO has recommended daily health checks during the incubation period, which can last up to six weeks.
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