The health alarm is triggered in Madrid
The Minister of Health of the Community of Madrid, Fátima Matute, has raised alarms by addressing the minister Mónica García in a letter, after discovering through the media that a group of nine Navarrese had been aboard the MV Hondius cruise. This comes amid growing concern over a Hantavirus outbreak that has emerged among the passengers.
The Spaniards disembarked in Ushuaia in early April after participating in an expedition that included dives in Antarctica. However, one of the travellers, Luis Gorricho, expressed his frustration by stating that they have not received any follow-up or contact from health authorities since their return. “No one has contacted us during this time,” lamented Gorricho.
Matute has not held back in her criticism of the handling of the case by the Ministry and the World Health Organization. In her statements, she emphasized that “not locating these individuals is a serious public health failure.” The minister stressed that from the very beginning, all those potentially exposed to the virus should have been identified and monitored.
In her letter, Matute requested direct confirmation from External Health regarding whether more Spaniards may have come into contact with the affected group. Identification and monitoring are crucial to prevent possible chains of virus transmission. “It is essential to provide them with information and advice as health authorities,” she stated.
Despite their return to Spain, sources close to the Ministry have indicated that they still do not know if the Navarrese shared space with the index patient. This raises concerns, as they could be within the potential incubation period of the virus. Gorricho also mentioned the strict hygiene measures implemented during the cruise to avoid issues with rodents, suggesting that there may have been prior contagion before boarding.
As this critical situation unfolds, both Matute and those affected are seeking clear and swift responses from the Ministry to ensure public health and avoid any additional risks. The community is attentive to how events will develop as authorities work to clarify this alarming situation.
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