World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has issued a warning regarding the potential for additional cases of hantavirus to emerge in the coming weeks. This announcement follows the evacuation of passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has been affected by an outbreak. During a joint news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at Madrid’s Moncloa Palace, Tedros stated that while the global public health risk remains low, the virus’s long incubation period means that further infections are possible.
As of now, there have been 11 reported cases of hantavirus among the ship’s occupants, three of which have resulted in fatalities. Nine of these cases have been laboratory-confirmed as Andes virus, a specific strain of hantavirus, while the other two are classified as probable infections. Tedros reassured the public by affirming that the overall assessment indicates a low global public health risk and emphasized that there is currently no evidence of a wider outbreak.
In light of the situation, WHO has recommended that all evacuated passengers undergo active health monitoring for 42 days following their last exposure. This monitoring can take place either in designated quarantine facilities or at home, with the period concluding on June 21. Passengers who develop symptoms during this time are advised to isolate themselves and seek immediate medical treatment.
The Spanish government agreed on May 5 to accommodate the MV Hondius after the outbreak was reported. The vessel arrived off the coast of Tenerife on May 10 and docked at the Port of Granadilla the following day. Over a two-day operation, more than 120 passengers and some crew members were disembarked under strict protective and sanitary measures before being flown out of Spain. Prime Minister Sanchez described the evacuation as a “success,” noting that ten special flights were organized to return the multinational group of travelers. He highlighted four guiding principles for the operation: scientific rigor, absolute transparency, institutional coordination, and international cooperation.
By May 11, all passengers had departed Tenerife, and the ship continued its journey to Rotterdam with 28 crew members remaining on board. The European Commission is working closely with Spain, EU member states, and other countries involved in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Additionally, the EU is collaborating with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, WHO, and other partners to manage the disembarkation, repatriation, and follow-up health monitoring of the passengers.
Tedros expressed gratitude to Spain for its prompt response, commending the country for fulfilling its legal obligations under international law and for demonstrating “solidarity, compassion, and kindness” throughout the evacuation process. This situation highlights the critical importance of rapid multinational cooperation in addressing infectious disease threats and underscores the need for ongoing vigilance as health monitoring continues into June.
