WHO Warns Hantavirus Monitoring Must Continue After Cruise Ship Outbreak

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has cautioned that global health authorities must remain vigilant following the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which left three passengers dead.

Speaking on Tuesday during a joint press briefing in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Tedros said containment efforts were still ongoing despite assurances that the outbreak had not developed into a broader global threat.

“Our work is not over,” Tedros stated.

“There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak,” he said, while warning that additional infections could still emerge due to the virus’s lengthy incubation period.

“But of course the situation could change, and given the long incubation period of the virus, it’s possible we might see more cases in the coming weeks,” he added.

The outbreak on the MV Hondius triggered international concern after three passengers died from the rare virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment.

Over 120 passengers and crew members were evacuated from Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday and Monday, with different countries adopting varying safety measures for those returning home.

The WHO has recommended a 42-day quarantine and close observation of individuals considered high-risk contacts, guidance that many countries have followed.

However, the United States signalled a less restrictive approach. Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said returning American passengers would not automatically be placed under quarantine.

Tedros urged countries to cooperate with the WHO’s recommendations.

“I hope they (countries) will follow the advice and recommendations we are making,” he said.

The handling of the MV Hondius also sparked diplomatic tensions as governments negotiated over docking rights and medical responsibility for passengers.

Cape Verde earlier refused to receive the ship, leaving it anchored off Praia while three infected passengers were flown to Europe for treatment.

Spain later permitted the vessel to anchor off the Canary Islands to allow the evacuation of passengers and crew, though the decision faced strong opposition from the regional authorities.

Defending Spain’s action, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said countries should respond to global health challenges with cooperation rather than fear.

“The world does not need more selfishness or more fear. What it needs are countries that show solidarity and want to step forward,” Sanchez said.

Africans Angle News