The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UN Health Agency push back online fears that the new Hantavirus outbreak on board the MV Hondius could become a new pandemic like Covid-19.
WHO and UN Health Agency Refute Claims
At Thursday's news briefing, Maria van Kerkhove, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the WHO said 'this is not Covid, this is not influenza, it spreads very, very differently.'
She said authorities had asked 'everyone to wear a mask' on board the MV Hondius.
Those in contact with or caring for anyone suspected to have Hantavirus should 'wear a higher level of personal protective equipment,' she said.
At the same briefing, WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the WHO 'assesses the public health risk as low.'
Two British nationals are confirmed to have hantavirus. Neither of the British citizens onboard are reporting symptoms, however they are being monitored closely.
The UK Health Security Agency 'is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures. Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British Nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight,'according to a press release from the UK government.
UKHSA will have some protocols for all Brits on board the ship upon their return their return.
'All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required,' according to the press release.
Source: International Business Times UK
