FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The tourist ship "MV Hondius", where a hantavirus outbreak has been recorded that has caused three deaths so far, has arrived on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
Spanish authorities and several European countries have implemented a special operation for the disembarkation and repatriation of 147 passengers, who will undergo strict health checks and medical monitoring.
According to local officials and tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship will dock in the Port of Granadilla, in the Canary Islands, at a safe distance from the pier. Passengers will be transported in small groups to shore and undergo medical checks before being allowed to return to their homes.
The hantavirus outbreak has so far been linked to the deaths of three people, while several others have been evacuated early for medical treatment. The rare disease is usually transmitted through exposure to the urine or feces of infected rodents.
Several countries, including the US, Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, have organised special flights to repatriate their citizens. US authorities confirmed that 17 American passengers, who are not showing symptoms, will be transported to a quarantine centre in Nebraska for 42 days of monitoring.
Meanwhile, 14 Spanish passengers will be the first to disembark the ship and will be taken to a military hospital, where they will be isolated in individual rooms and undergo PCR tests.
The ship's arrival has caused reactions and tensions in the Canary Islands. Port workers in Tenerife have protested a lack of information about the potential health risk, while regional president Fernando Clavijo previously opposed the ship's docking in the islands' territory.
After the disembarkation operation is completed, the MV Hondius is expected to continue to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where the ship will be fully disinfected.
The World Health Organization stated that the risk to the public remains low, although the situation continues to be closely monitored.
Lini një Përgjigje