I wonder what media coverage the Hantavirus crisis is getting in different places. I guess Spain and the Netherlands are more impacted but, as there are over 20 countries involved, I expect there’ll be widespread coverage. After Covid, it’s normal to be concerned.
Let’s hope everything is successfully controlled.
There were a few Australians and New Zealanders onboard also who have now been flown home on a Government provided repatriation flight. Worldwide coverage.
Thanks for the link.
The Australians and the New Zealander are still on board and are expected to fly to the Netherlands later today before repatriation. The boat has been anchored on port in Tenerife, due to bad weather.
Thanks.
I have just heard on the radio that the French patient whose test was positive is getting worse and has been taken to ICU.
Six British paratroopers jumped on to Tristan da Cunha to bring aid to an islander who had contracted Hanta. Two jumped in tandem with a doctor and a specialist nurse.
No medals will be awarded.
I saw it on the news in Spain. Amazing!
One of the officers participating on the evacuation operation in Tenerife suffered a heart attack and died. Nothing to do with Hantavirus, just a sad coincidence.
That’s an amazing read.
I really hope that the World Health Organisation knows what it is doing!
Let’s hope so. Let’s also hope that everyone involved, including passengers and people in close contact, are responsible and follow the protocols thoroughly.
Australia is taking things a little bit further by actually quarantining the Oz and NZ passengers on their arrival back in Australia…
Australian Medical Association WA president Kyle Hoath told the Today show that the returned passengers would stay in a “purpose-built quarantine facility” in Bullsbrook, about 40km north of Perth.
“Quarantine will go for three weeks, which we know at this stage is only part of the suspected incubation period of 42 days,” Dr Hoath said.
“That’ll (be) reassessed to ensure that the right decisions are made around whether or not that quarantine needs to extend.”
The flight distance and refuel requirements had to adhere to strict health advice, which made the repatriation mission complex.
None of the repatriated passengers are displaying symptoms of the virus, but personnel will be on-board the flight to monitor their conditions.
@anon52083843 I watched those paratroopers jump and land on the island on video today. Was amazing! Risky business. A paratrooper in my home State died a few days ago on a jump doing military training.
Already there are medical staff in the Netherlands that have also been quarantined due to “inadequate handling of blood and other samples” according to Reuters. I see it has a 40 to 60% death rate so I am surprised at the above lapse. Better to take no chances.
Brigadier Cartwright said of the jump: “If you miss the island you’re in the drink, and that’s emotional”.
It seems the American citizen who first tested “mild positive” has now tested negative.
Forbes
