The vessel, transporting several people contaminated with the rodent-borne virus, including some fatalities, is expected to arrive in the archipelago within the next three to four days. A ship's doctor, in critical condition, has already been evacuated to the Canary Islands. Authorities assure that there is no risk to the public, although the situation has generated some concern.
“"We were all calm about the hantavirus, and then Fernando Simón speaks; that's when you start to worry."
The apprehension has been heightened by the intervention of a health spokesperson, whose past statements during the COVID-19 pandemic generated controversy. Moncloa indicated that it was unaware of this spokesperson's participation in a recent interview, which would have been canceled had they known.
The hantavirus, as reported, is not primarily transmitted between people, which contributes to general reassurance. However, the situation has brought to mind previous cases of repatriation due to infectious diseases, such as missionaries affected by Ebola, and the social controversy surrounding the management of those episodes.
This incident coincides with other national current affairs, such as the trial related to a corruption case involving political and business figures, and the controversial management of European funds by the Government, which has drawn criticism even from the Court of Accounts.
