WHO: Hantavirus on Cruise Ship Low Risk, Not Like COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) has calmed fears regarding a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Africa, stating the risk to the general public remains low and does not resemble the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Low Risk” for Global Spaghettini
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the situation aboard the HV Hondius, currently positioned near Cape Verde. He emphasized that the virus’s transmission pattern and scale do not suggest a global crisis.
“At this moment, the risk to the rest of the world is low,” Tedros stated, downplaying comparisons to the rapid global spread of COVID-19. “The appearance of the hantavirus is not similar to COVID-19 in its initial phase.”
Medical Evacuations Underway
The HV Hondius was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Canary Islands with approximately 150 people on board when the illnesses were detected. Currently, there are eight suspected cases of hantavirus associated with the vessel.
Following a stop in Cape Verde, three individuals were successfully evacuated via medicalized aircraft. These include two crew members who showed symptoms and a third person who, while currently asymptomatic, was identified as a direct contact of the virus.
The situation expanded beyond the ship after two former passengers tested positive for the virus in Johannesburg and Zurich shortly after disembarking. Both are currently hospitalized.
Next Steps for Passengers
The cruise ship is now bound for Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where Spanish authorities expect it to dock within three days. Spanish Health Minister Mónica García Gómez confirmed that once the ship arrives, the remaining passengers will be cleared to return to their respective home countries.
In the meantime, the WHO has deployed health professionals directly to the ship to monitor those on board. “We will continue to monitor and support the people on board. We will also monitor the situation externally,” Tedros added, ensuring that international health protocols are being strictly followed.
Image: Pexels – Tim Diercks
