The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that more hantavirus cases might surface in the upcoming weeks following the evacuation of passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship. Tedros highlighted the extended incubation period of the virus as a factor contributing to this possibility.
As per Tedros, there have been 11 reported hantavirus cases, with three resulting in fatalities. Among these cases, nine have been confirmed as Andes virus infections, while the other two are classified as probable cases. Despite these occurrences, Tedros emphasized that the overall global public health risk remains low and there are no indications of a widespread outbreak.
WHO’s recommendation includes a 42-day active health monitoring period for all evacuated passengers starting from their last exposure date. This monitoring period, lasting until June 21, can take place in designated quarantine facilities or at home. Tedros stressed the importance of immediate isolation and treatment for anyone displaying symptoms.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, during a joint press conference with Tedros at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, expressed gratitude towards the Spanish government for facilitating the evacuation operation. Spain’s coordination of 10 special flights to evacuate over 120 individuals of various nationalities from the MV Hondius was described as a success by Sanchez. The operation was guided by principles of scientific rigor, transparency, institutional coordination, and international cooperation.
