The European Commission has announced that it is ‘taking action’ to coordinate and support national authorities’ response to the hantavirus outbreak, linked to passengers aboard the MV Hondius.
Currently, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assesses the risk to the wider European population as ‘very low’, citing the implementation of infection prevention measures and the fact that hantaviruses are not easily transmitted between people.
Safe evacuation
The Commission’s move follows on from the activation of the the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by Spain on 6 May, with the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre involved in facilitating the safe evacuation of people on board the vessel, after it docked in Tenerife.
The Commission said five repatriation flights coordinated through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism had already taken place, operated by France, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece and Ireland, with a sixth flight scheduled by the Netherlands.
The EU has also pre-positioned a medical evacuation aircraft in Tenerife from its strategic reserve and made additional logistics and protective equipment available if required.
‘Coordination is key’
“Health threats can easily cross borders and that is why coordination is key,” commented Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management. “The Commission is working around the clock to ensure response actions are swift and effective, and that support is available where it is needed. A health crisis does not stop at borders. Neither does our response.”
Elsewhere, the ECDC dispatched experts from the EU Health Task Force both onboard the ship and to Spanish authorities on the ground, providing technical and operational support during disembarkation and follow-up procedures.
Alongside the civil protection response, the Commission said it is coordinating health measures between Member States, the World Health Organization and G7 partners through the Health Security Committee. Daily meetings are taking place to align repatriation procedures, monitor potential cases and update operational plans.
‘Closely monitoring’
“We are closely monitoring the Hantavirus outbreak and remain ready to support Member States,” added Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. “While the risk to the general population in Europe is currently considered very low, we are staying vigilant and working closely with ECDC, national authorities and international partners to ensure a coordinated, evidence-based response.
“The Commission has a range of EU instruments at its disposal to help coordinate action, mobilise expertise and provide assistance where needed.” Read more here.
