As the hantavirus outbreak continues to spark concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now addressing fears that the virus could become the start of another global pandemic.
The outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has reportedly led to three deaths. Nearly 150 passengers and crew members remain stranded on the vessel, while multiple suspected infections have been identified.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X on Wednesday: “Three suspected hantavirus case patients have just been evacuated from the ship and are on their way to receive medical care in the Netherlands in coordination with WHO, the ship’s operator and national authorities from Cabo Verde, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands.”
He continued: “WHO continues to work with the ship’s operators to closely monitor the health of passengers and crew, working with countries to support appropriate medical follow-up and evacuation where needed.
“Monitoring and follow-up for passengers on board and for those who have already disembarked has been initiated in collaboration with the ship’s operators and national health authorities. WHO thanks all those involved. At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low.”
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