WHO Warns of Potential Hantavirus Cases After MV Hondius Outbreak
The leader of the World Health Organization has urged countries to get ready for possible increases in hantavirus infections, following an outbreak on the MV Hondius. He expressed gratitude to Spain for its “compassion and solidarity” in accepting the affected cruise ship and facilitating the evacuation of those on board.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that authorities should adhere to WHO recommendations, which advise implementing a 42-day quarantine and continuous monitoring of individuals who might be at risk.
During a press briefing on Tuesday in Madrid, he said, “Currently, we don’t see signs of a larger outbreak starting, but the situation can change quickly. The virus has a long incubation period, so we might notice more cases in the upcoming weeks.”
The MV Hondius, traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde, became the focal point of the outbreak when three passengers—a Dutch couple and a German man—succumbed to the virus. Hantavirus is typically transmitted by wild rodents, but there are rare instances of person-to-person transmission in close quarters.
The WHO has officially recorded nine cases of the Andes variant, which includes a French woman and an American national who tested positive after being evacuated.
On Tuesday, Spain’s health ministry revealed that one of the 14 Spaniards evacuated from the ship and quarantined in a military facility in Madrid had tested positive for hantavirus and was displaying symptoms.
“The individual who tested provisionally positive yesterday is now confirmed to have hantavirus,” the ministry stated. “The patient exhibited a low-grade fever and mild respiratory symptoms yesterday but remains stable without any apparent decline in condition.”
Tedros, speaking alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, noted that more cases are anticipated due to significant interaction among passengers before precautions were enacted after the first confirmed case on May 2.
“We anticipate additional cases because, as one might recall, the initial case on the ship emerged on April 6… [and] there was much interaction among passengers prior to implementing any infection prevention measures,” he explained.
Tedros also stated that individual countries are now tasked with caring for their citizens post-evacuation. “I hope they will provide adequate care to the patients and ensure the safety of their citizens,” he added.
The WHO chief recognized Spain’s proactive response and the support extended to those aboard the vessel after Cape Verde denied it docking rights. Over 120 passengers and crew members were evacuated in a meticulously planned operation conducted on Sunday and Monday.
“I want to express my gratitude to Spain, particularly Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, for the exceptional leadership shown,” he mentioned. “This should serve as a model for other nations—not just in obligations but in the compassion and solidarity demonstrated by Spain.” He also remarked on the importance of kindness in a “divided and divisive world.”
Sánchez reiterated this sentiment, stating, “The world needs less selfishness and fear. What we require are countries that foster solidarity and aim for progress.”
He offered his condolences again to the family of a Guardia Civil officer who passed away from a heart attack during the evacuation effort on Sunday.
In spite of regional government opposition, Spain’s central government permitted the MV Hondius to anchor in Tenerife while overseeing the evacuation process.
The last two flights carrying evacuees departed from the Canary Islands on Monday night and arrived in the Netherlands early Tuesday. The MV Hondius, having refueled and restocked in Tenerife, is now headed back to Rotterdam with a crew of 25, including a doctor and nurse.
