Madrid, May 13: The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on Tuesday that more cases of hantavirus may emerge in the coming weeks. This follows the evacuation of passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius. However, he emphasized that the global threat from this disease is currently low.
During a press conference at the Moncloa Palace alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Tedros stated, “The virus has a long incubation period, so we may see more cases in the coming weeks.”
To date, there have been 11 reported cases linked to hantavirus, with three fatalities. Nine of these cases have been confirmed as Andes virus infections, while the remaining two are considered probable.
Tedros reiterated that the assessment remains that the public health threat at a global level is low, with no signs of a major outbreak.
He advised that all passengers evacuated from the ship should undergo active health monitoring for 42 days from their last contact date. This monitoring can take place at quarantine centers or at home and will continue until June 21.
If any symptoms appear, immediate isolation and treatment should be initiated, he added.
Tedros also expressed gratitude to the Spanish government for allowing the ship to dock and for managing the entire evacuation operation. He noted that Spain demonstrated “solidarity, sensitivity, and humanity” while fulfilling its responsibilities under international law.
The Spanish government permitted the MV Hondius to dock on May 5 after reports of hantavirus spreading on board. The WHO, European Union, and over 20 countries collaborated to safely evacuate passengers and crew back to their respective nations.
The ship arrived near Tenerife Island on May 10 and docked at the Granadilla port the following day. During the two-day operation, passengers and some crew members were disembarked under strict safety and health protocols, and then flown back to their countries via special flights arranged by Spain.
Prime Minister Sánchez described the operation as a “success,” noting that Spain organized 10 special flights to safely evacuate over 120 individuals from various countries.
He highlighted that the entire operation was based on four key principles: “scientific accuracy,” “full transparency in information,” “coordination among institutions,” and “international cooperation.”
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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