WHO chief says work continues after hantavirus evacuation

World Health Organization Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that “our work is not over” in the effort to contain hantavirus following the evacuation of a cruise ship affected by a deadly outbreak of the disease.

The situation aboard the MV Hondius has raised international concern after three passengers died from the rare virus, which currently has no vaccine or specific treatment.

Health officials, however, emphasize that the global public‑health risk remains low and reject any comparison to the early stages of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

“There is no indication that a larger outbreak is beginning,” Tedros told a joint news conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

“Nevertheless, the situation could evolve, and because the virus has a long incubation period, additional cases may appear in the coming weeks,” he added.

More than 120 passengers and crew members from the MV Hondius were airlifted from Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday and Monday, and individual countries have implemented varying health measures for the returning evacuees.

The majority of nations have adhered to WHO guidelines, which prescribe a 42‑day quarantine and continuous monitoring of high‑risk contacts.

In the United States, Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicated that American passengers might not be required to undergo quarantine.

“I hope countries will follow the advice and recommendations we are providing,” Tedros said in Madrid.

The MV Hondius created diplomatic challenges as nations negotiated responsibility for receiving the vessel and caring for its passengers.

Cape Verde declined to take the ship, which stayed anchored off the capital Praia