Hantavirus: WHO Flags Possible New Cases

The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has warned that additional cases of hantavirus could emerge in the coming weeks following the evacuation of passengers from the outbreak-hit cruise ship, MV Hondius.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid on Tuesday, Tedros said the “global public health risk remains low,” but cautioned that the virus’s long incubation period means more cases may still surface.

“So far, 11 hantavirus-related cases have been reported, including three deaths. Nine of these have been confirmed as Andes virus infections, while the remaining two are considered probable cases,” he said.

Tedros stressed that there is currently “no sign” of a wider outbreak but noted that WHO has recommended active health monitoring for all evacuated passengers for 42 days from their last exposure, a period that runs until June 21. Monitoring can take place either in quarantine facilities or at home, and anyone who develops symptoms should be isolated and treated immediately.

He thanked the Spanish government for receiving the vessel and leading the evacuation effort, commending Spain for fulfilling its obligations under international law and demonstrating “solidarity, compassion and kindness.”

Spain agreed on May 5 to receive the MV Hondius after a hantavirus outbreak was detected on board, following appeals from WHO, the European Union and more than 20 ountries seeking help with evacuation and repatriation.

The vessel arrived near Tenerife on May 10 and docked at the Port of Granadilla the next day.

Over a two-day operation, passengers and some crew members were disembarked under strict protective measures before being flown out of Spain.

Prime Minister Sanchez described the evacuation as a “success,” noting that Spain coordinated 10 special flights to evacuate more than 120 people of various nationalities between May 10 and 11. He said the operation was guided by scientific rigour, full transparency, institutional coordination and international cooperation.