EU says hantavirus risk to public remains low amid cruise ship outbreak

The European Commission said on May 11 that the risk posed to the European Union’s population by the possible spread of hantavirus is currently considered low.

Speaking during a briefing, Eva Hrncirova said the assessment was consistent with conclusions reached by the World Health Organization (WHO), Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Hrncirova stressed that protecting public health remains a priority for the European Commission and said the EU is coordinating closely with member states, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and other international partners.

She also referred to the situation involving the MV Hondius cruise ship, where several passengers showed symptoms of the disease, saying evacuation efforts had been organised under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

According to Hrncirova, four repatriation flights were carried out over the weekend in line with medical protocols, and the European Union remains prepared to deploy additional resources if required.

By Sabina Mammadli