WHO DG, Tedros Ghebreyesus
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday warned that efforts to contain the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius are far from finished despite the evacuation of passengers and crew.
The outbreak has raised global concern after three passengers died from the rare virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Speaking at a joint briefing in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Tedros said, “our work is not over” as health authorities continue monitoring the situation.
He, however, stressed that there is currently no evidence suggesting the outbreak could escalate into another global health emergency like Covid-19.
“There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak,” Tedros said, adding, “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.”
More than 120 passengers and crew members were evacuated from Spain’s Canary Islands between Sunday and Monday, while countries receiving returnees have adopted varying safety measures.
Although most nations followed WHO recommendations, including a 42-day quarantine and close monitoring of high-risk contacts, acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya said the United States may not impose mandatory quarantine on American evacuees.
The handling of the MV Hondius also triggered diplomatic tensions after Cape Verde declined to receive the vessel, while Sanchez defended Spain’s intervention, saying, “The world does not need more selfishness or more fear. What it needs are countries that show solidarity and want to step forward.”
