A hantavirus outbreak has been discovered on a cruise ship, the MV Hondius, which docked in Tenerife (Spain) on Sunday. The matter is being handled with many precautions by the health authorities while the travelers were evacuated and repatriated to their countries of origin (Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Canada, etc.).
The International Skating Union (ISU) has announced that it plans to organize its congress in Tenerife, from June 10 to 12 that holds the top spot. " The ISU will continue to monitor developments in the lead-up to the 60th Ordinary Session of the ISU next month and is committed to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization and local health authorities, as well as keeping the delegates present informed, including members of the ISU Council, member federations and distinguished guests. The well-being of all event participants remains our top priority » affirms the body.
This health situation could lead the ISU to organize its congress remotely, or to find a new venue. When they affect human beings, Hantaviruses can cause infections of varying severity.These can be fatal: in Europe and Asia, hemorrhagic fevers with renal syndrome (HFRS), with an incubation period ranging from one week to two months; and in the Americas, hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), with an incubation period ranging from one to six weeks. " warns the Ministry of Health in France.
