Transporting hantavirus patients requires careful planning, warns International SOS

Dr Ryan Copeland, Regional Medical Director for Middle East at International SOS, has commented in response to the recent hantavirus outbreak that planning for such transfers must “account for critical factors such as the pathogen’s characteristics, incubation period, transmission mode, and the patient’s clinical stability”.

The comment follows the successful transportation of three patients from the MV Hondius, where the hantavirus outbreak was first identified, to the Netherlands. Air medical firms Redstar Aviation and European Air Ambulance (EAA) were involved in the transfers.

Dr Copeland added that air medical evacuation required a careful balance between delivering timely care and protecting all personnel involved, including flight crews, ground ambulance teams, and handling staff, to minimize exposure risks.

Additionally, he said: “Strict coordination with public health authorities is essential, covering the point of origin, any transit or overflight jurisdictions, and the destination country. Approvals must be secured before movement can proceed. Equally important is confirming medical acceptance at a receiving facility equipped with appropriate isolation capabilities and specialist treatment resources.”