WHO Chief Warns Hantavirus Fight Not Over After Cruise Ship Outbreak

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that efforts to contain a deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius were continuing, despite large-scale evacuations and reassurances that the risk of a wider global health crisis remains low.

Speaking alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid after overseeing evacuation operations in Spain’s Canary Islands, Tedros said health officials were closely monitoring the situation because of the virus’s long incubation period.

“Our work is not over,” Tedros said, warning that additional cases could still emerge in the coming weeks. He stressed, however, that there was currently “no sign” the outbreak was developing into a larger international emergency similar to the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has drawn global attention after three passengers died following exposure to the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, one of the few variants known to spread between humans. Health authorities say there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the disease.

Official figures compiled from multiple countries show that seven confirmed infections and one probable case have been identified among passengers and crew members. Those affected include nationals from the United States, Britain, France, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

More than 120 passengers and crew members were evacuated from the ship on Sunday and Monday after the vessel docked near Spain’s Canary Islands. Countries involved in the evacuation have adopted different health measures for returning passengers.

Most governments have followed WHO recommendations, which call for a 42-day quarantine period and continuous monitoring of close contacts because symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear.

Tedros urged countries to continue following WHO guidance while acknowledging that governments were free to establish their own health protocols.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu called for closer coordination among European Union countries regarding quarantine and monitoring rules linked to the outbreak.

The handling of the MV Hondius has also created diplomatic tensions. Earlier this month, Cape Verde refused permission for the ship to dock in its capital, Praia, forcing the vessel to remain offshore while critically ill passengers were flown to Europe for treatment.

Spain later allowed the ship to anchor near the Canary Islands for evacuation procedures, although local authorities in the region strongly opposed the decision.

Defending Spain’s actions, Sanchez said international cooperation was essential during public health emergencies.

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

The MV Hondius departed Tenerife on Monday with a reduced crew and is expected to arrive in the Netherlands on Sunday, where the vessel will undergo full disinfection procedures.

Health officials believe the outbreak may have originated in Argentina, where hantavirus is endemic and where the ship began its voyage on April 1 before crossing the Atlantic toward Cape Verde.