Could Hantavirus trigger next health crisis in Europe?  Outbreak risk under scrutiny

The European Commission is closely monitoring a potential hantavirus outbreak among passengers aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, but currently sees no reason for concern regarding wider spread in Europe.

Eva Hrncirova, Commission spokesperson, said there is no indication at present that the situation poses a broader public health threat, according to foreign media.

“As current data show, there is no reason for concern,” Hrncirova stated.

She added that the European Commission is in close contact with EU member states, the World Health Organisation, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

“We are closely monitoring the situation and have been in constant contact with the relevant authorities since the first day we were informed of the illness on the cruise ship,” she said.

Hrncirova also noted that ECDC has deployed an expert aboard the vessel to assess the situation on site.

“We are doing everything necessary not to underestimate the situation and to be prepared to respond at every stage,” she concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada