Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that efforts to contain hantavirus are ongoing following evacuations from a cruise ship hit by a deadly outbreak of the disease.
Speaking on Tuesday during a joint press conference in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Tedros said health authorities were still closely monitoring the situation despite assurances that the global public health risk remains low.
The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has raised international concern after three passengers died from the rare virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
“There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak,” Tedros 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,” he added.
More than 120 passengers and crew members aboard the ship were evacuated from Canary Islands on Sunday and Monday.
Countries receiving evacuees have adopted varying public health measures in response to the outbreak.
Most governments have followed WHO recommendations, which include a 42-day quarantine period and continuous monitoring of individuals considered high-risk contacts.
However, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Jay Bhattacharya, said American passengers would not automatically be placed under quarantine.
Reacting to the differing approaches, Tedros expressed hope that countries would adhere to WHO guidance.
“I hope they will follow the advice and recommendations we are making,” he said.
The outbreak also created diplomatic tensions as countries debated responsibility for receiving the vessel and caring for infected passengers.
Cape Verde reportedly refused to receive the ship, which remained anchored offshore near the capital, Praia, while three infected passengers were evacuated to Europe last week.
Spain later permitted the vessel to anchor off the Canary Islands to allow the evacuation of passengers and crew, although the regional government of the Atlantic archipelago strongly opposed the decision.
Defending Spain’s actions, Prime Minister Sanchez said the international community must prioritise cooperation over fear.
“The world does not need more selfishness or more fear. What it needs are countries that show solidarity and want to step forward,” he stated.
Health authorities continue to monitor passengers and crew as investigations into the outbreak remain ongoing.
