Rome, 9 May (LaPresse) – Following reports received through international channels regarding the Andes Hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius, the Ministry of Health has issued a statement announcing that it has “activated the established procedures for risk assessment, surveillance and health coordination, in line with national and international protocols”. The assessments shared at international level by the WHO (World Health Organisation) and the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) ‘currently indicate a low risk for the general population worldwide and a very low risk in Europe’, explains the Ministry. "Four people arrived in Italy on the KLM connecting flight to Rome on which the woman hospitalised in Johannesburg and who died there had boarded for a few minutes. The contact details of the four passengers have been obtained. The Ministry of Health has therefore forwarded the information to the relevant regions (Calabria, Campania, Tuscany, Veneto) to activate active surveillance procedures, in accordance with the principle of maximum caution. Furthermore, Oceanwide Expeditions has issued its own statement updating the situation regarding the passengers on the MV Hondius. An Italian doctor from the ECDC medical team has also been on board the ship since 6 May, having joined the crew to support emergency care activities. The Ministry of Health, together with the other administrations and health authorities involved, continues to ensure full coordination and the implementation of the required surveillance measures," the statement concludes.
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