EU coordinates hantavirus patient repatriation from cruise ship

European Union member states are coordinating the repatriation of cruise ship passengers infected with hantavirus, according to POLITICO Europe. The World Health Organization chief will oversee the ship's arrival in Tenerife, Spain, as part of a coordinated response to contain the outbreak.

Hantavirus is a potentially fatal respiratory illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodent droppings. The disease can cause severe symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and progressive respiratory distress.

The repatriation effort involves multiple EU nations working to return affected passengers to their home countries while maintaining strict quarantine and monitoring procedures. Health authorities are implementing isolation protocols at the Tenerife port of entry. The WHO's involvement underscores the international health dimensions of the incident and the need for coordinated EU-wide response mechanisms in handling infectious disease cases aboard vessels in European waters.