Director General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that efforts to contain hantavirus are still ongoing following the evacuation of passengers and crew from the cruise ship MV Hondius after a deadly outbreak onboard.
The situation has drawn international attention after three passengers reportedly d from the rare virus which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Despite growing concerns health officials have maintained that the global public health risk remains low and have dismissed comparisons to the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Tedros stated that there is currently no indication of a wider outbreak. However he warned that more cases could emerge in the coming weeks because of the virus’s long incubation period.
More than 120 passengers and crew members aboard the MV Hondius were evacuated from Spain’s Canary Islands over two days as governments introduced different health measures for returning citizens. Most countries have reportedly followed WHO recommendations including a 42 day quarantine period and continuous monitoring of high risk contacts.
In the United States acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya said American passengers may not necessarily undergo mandatory quarantine measures. Tedros responded by expressing hope that countries would continue to follow WHO health guidance to prevent further spread.
The outbreak also created diplomatic tension after Cape Verde refused to receive the vessel forcing the ship to remain offshore near the capital Praia before Spain eventually allowed it to anchor near the Canary Islands for evacuation operations.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez defended Spain’s decision saying the world needs solidarity rather than fear during international health emergencies.
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