WHO Issues Fresh Update On Hantavirus Outbreak

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has warned that efforts to contain the Hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship are not yet over.

Naija News reports that Ghebreyesus spoke on Tuesday at a joint news conference in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, after more than 120 passengers and crew members were evacuated from Spain’s Canary Islands.

The outbreak has triggered international concern after three passengers died from the rare virus.

Health authorities, however, said the global public health risk remained low.

Ghebreyesus said there was no evidence that the world was witnessing the beginning of a wider outbreak, but warned that more cases could still be recorded because of the virus’ long incubation period.

“There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak,” he said.

“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.”

The WHO has recommended a 42-day quarantine and close monitoring for high-risk contacts linked to the ship.

Naija News understands that more than 120 passengers and crew on the MV Hondius were flown out of the Canary Islands on Sunday and Monday, with different countries adopting separate health measures for their returning citizens.

Ghebreyesus urged countries to follow WHO guidance.

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

According to AFP, officials in the United States indicated that American passengers might not automatically be placed under quarantine.

The MV Hondius had posed diplomatic and health challenges after Cape Verde refused to receive the vessel, leaving it anchored offshore Praia before Spain allowed it to reach the Canary Islands for evacuation.

The decision faced opposition from the Canary Islands regional government.

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

The vessel is now expected to undergo cleaning and disinfection, while health authorities continue to monitor evacuees across several countries.