WHO Prepares Global Hantavirus Ship Protocols

The World Health Organization (WHO) is developing disembarkation protocols for approximately 150 passengers from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, as the vessel approaches Tenerife for a Sunday arrival. This initiative addresses the first recorded hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, which has resulted in three fatalities and at least eight suspected or confirmed infections. The guidance aims to manage the disembarkation process and subsequent public health measures.

WHO officials and hantavirus experts are adapting standard public health practices, including isolation and monitoring, drawing lessons from Argentina's 2018-2019 Andes virus outbreak. The Andes virus, the same strain identified on the ship, has a prolonged incubation period, prompting recommendations for daily temperature monitoring for up to 42 days for individuals with potential exposure.

Passengers are being categorized into high-risk and low-risk contact groups based on their interactions with infected individuals.

National authorities will be responsible for implementing these measures, which may include contact tracing, quarantine, and providing support for affected individuals. The United Kingdom has already announced plans to repatriate its citizens from the ship under strict infection controls, requiring a 45-day isolation period upon return.

The WHO emphasizes that effective public health measures, such as social distancing and isolation of symptomatic individuals, can prevent widespread transmission.