The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tells countries to prepare for additional hantavirus cases following an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. Multiple reports say his message follows the completion of a complex international operation to disembark and repatriate passengers and some crew, which ends in Tenerife. The WHO praises Spain for its handling of the situation, including evacuating those on the vessel and coordinating health measures.
Ahead of or during the operation, the WHO chief is reported to travel to Tenerife to help coordinate public health controls, surveillance, and response protocols with Spanish authorities and ministers. While the disembarkation and repatriation are described as finished, the WHO warns that monitoring and coordination must continue in the weeks ahead.
The WHO’s guidance cited across accounts includes steps such as quarantine and constant monitoring of high-risk contacts, with a reported 42-day quarantine period and follow-up surveillance as part of efforts to reduce the risk of further spread.
