WHO Addresses Hantavirus Concerns Following Outbreak on Cruise Ship
‘We Know This Virus’: WHO Calms Fears Over Hantavirus Amid Covid Comparisons
News 18
Image: News 18
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the public regarding a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, stating it does not pose a global pandemic threat. The outbreak, linked to the Andes strain, has resulted in five confirmed cases and three suspected cases among passengers and crew.
- 01The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship is not expected to escalate into a pandemic.
- 02WHO has confirmed five cases and three suspected cases of hantavirus among passengers.
- 03The Andes strain of hantavirus can spread between people but only in close contact.
- 04WHO officials emphasize the importance of public health measures to contain the outbreak.
- 05Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove stated that the situation differs significantly from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Following an outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship, the World Health Organization (WHO) has calmed fears of a potential pandemic. The ship, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, had nearly 150 passengers and crew onboard. The outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread between individuals but requires very close contact. WHO officials confirmed five cases and three suspected cases, emphasizing that the situation is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove stated, 'This is not Covid, this is not influenza, it spreads very, very differently.' WHO director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus labeled the incident as serious but noted that the public health risk remains low. The organization stressed the importance of implementing public health measures and international solidarity to limit the outbreak.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The outbreak has prompted precautionary measures and screenings by several governments, affecting travelers and cruise operations.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Are you concerned about the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship?
Connecting to poll...
More about World Health Organization
Turkish Vlogger Reveals Hantavirus Outbreak Horror on Cruise Ship in South Atlantic
News 18 • May 8, 2026
WHO Issues Warning of Potential Hantavirus Cases Following Cruise Ship Disembarkation
The Economic Times • May 7, 2026
WHO Warns of Potential Hantavirus Cases Linked to Cruise Ship Outbreak
News 18 • May 7, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.