The World Health Organization, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Spain – which allowed the virus-hit ship to dock on Sunday – and the Netherlands – the home of the ship’s operator – have been leading public health efforts with equipment to contain outbreaks and repatriate civilians.
The WHO recommended monitoring passengers and crew, including any close contacts, for 42 days, in isolation at home or in a quarantine facility.
So far, 11 cases have been reported, including three deaths. All 11 cases are passengers or crew, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in press conference Tuesday with the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez.
The Andean variety, the only variant known to circulate among people, has been identified.
“WHO is aware of reports of a small number of patients with symptoms consistent with Andes virus, and we are following up on each of those reports in the respective countries,” Tedros said.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist has already contacted other European officials, Lecornu said, and “shared with them the public health decisions that the French government has already taken.”
