The Secretary of Public Health, Esteve Fernández, has confirmed that the five Catalan citizens on board the cruise ship MV Hondius will carry out home isolation in Catalonia if they do not present symptoms after their medical examination. This measure will be applied as long as the transfer of the travelers and the epidemiological evaluation so determine.
The current health situation on the ship includes eight confirmed cases of hantavirus, according to data from the World Health Organization. Health authorities are working to define the Canary Islands port that will receive the vessel and organize the passengers' return.
The protocol activates the Hospital Clínic as a reference center
The five travelers are asymptomatic at this time. However, the contingency plan establishes that they would be transferred to the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona in case they develop symptoms compatible with the infection. This center has High-Level Isolation and Treatment Units (UATAN).
Public Health will maintain active surveillance during the quarantine period. The exact duration of isolation will depend on identified contacts and the incubation period of the virus, which ranges from two to four weeks after exposure.
"It is a virus that has not yet evolved, and we hope it does not" - Esteve Fernández, Secretary of Public Health, Generalitat de Catalunya
The health official has explained the biological nature of the pathogen to contextualize the risk. He pointed out that the high mortality rate of hantavirus reduces its expansion capacity, since an agent that quickly destroys its host is inefficient for reproduction and spread.
Measures include social distancing and mask use
Home isolation will require strict compliance with protection measures. Those affected must maintain a safe distance and wear a mask throughout the process. Public Health will carry out epidemiological monitoring to detect any changes in health status.
An international epidemiological investigation will be carried out to determine the degree of contact of Catalan passengers with those infected. This pre-travel medical review is essential to guarantee the safety of transport.
Esteve Fernández has characterized the episode as an exceptional situation. He has urged the population to remain calm and avoid unfounded alarmism in the face of a known virus with low infectivity.