The aim is “to ensure a science-based response,” the spokesperson added. “Safeguarding public health is our absolute priority.”
One of the key decisions countries and disease experts are working on is “defining quarantine guidelines and protocols,” the Commission spokesperson continued.
They are also establishing support measures for EU countries and their citizens, assessing transport and medical evacuation needs to help Spain, and ensuring cooperation between health, civil protection, and international partners to protect citizens, the spokesperson added.
There are around 150 people, including passengers and staff, aboard the ship at the moment, and none of them is displaying any symptoms, the ship’s operator Oceanwide Expeditions said Friday.
Hantavirus is a disease typically spread by infected rats. So far, there have been five confirmed cases of the Andes subtype linked to the cruise ship. It is the only variant known to have spread among humans, usually through close, prolonged contact.
Three people who were on the cruise ship have died.