The World Health Organization has confirmed six cases of hantavirus infection, out of eight suspected on a cruise ship, where at least three deaths have been reported so far.
According to preliminary data, the mortality rate in this outbreak is estimated at around 38%, while all confirmed cases belong to the Andean variant, a form of the virus that in some situations can be transmitted between people.
Despite the situation, the WHO has emphasized that the risk to the global population remains low, announcing that close monitoring of epidemiological developments and updating of the risk assessment are continuing.
Meanwhile, a Dutch cruise ship is currently located near the island of Tenerife in Spain, where it has caused concern and strong reactions from local residents.
Passengers are expected to be allowed to disembark over the weekend, but the authorities' plans have met with opposition from part of the local community, who express fears for health safety.
The central government in Spain has responded to criticism of a lack of transparency by clarifying that the disembarkation will not take place directly at the port of Tenerife. The ship will remain at sea, while passengers will be transferred by ferry to the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas.
Authorities have announced that immediately after disembarkation, the passengers will be repatriated, while 14 Spanish citizens on board will be sent to Madrid for quarantine.
Officials have also stressed that there will be no contact between passengers and local residents, guaranteeing that all measures have been taken to protect the population.
