The World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Spain — which allowed the virus-stricken ship to dock Sunday — and the Netherlands — the home of the ship’s operator — have been leading the public health and logistical effort to contain the outbreak and repatriate citizens.
The WHO recommended monitoring passengers and crew, plus any close contacts, for 42 days, in isolation at home or a quarantine facility.
So far, 11 cases have been reported, including three deaths. All 11 cases are among passengers or crew, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a press briefing Tuesday alongside Spanish premier Pedro Sánchez.
The Andes strain, the only variant known to transmit between people, has been identified.
“WHO is aware of reports of a small number of patients with symptoms consistent with Andes virus, and we are following up on each of those reports with the respective countries,” Tedros said.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist has already been in contact with other European officials, Lecornu said, and had “shared with them the public health decisions that the French government has already taken.”