World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus assured the public that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius remains under control and should not trigger panic.
Speaking ahead of the vessel’s arrival in Tenerife, Spain, Tedros stressed that the situation is “not another COVID” and that the current public health risk remains low.
The MV Hondius, carrying more than 140 passengers and crew members, docked in Spain after authorities confirmed the deaths of three passengers onboard.
Several individuals aboard the ship also reportedly tested positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare variant known for possible human-to-human transmission.
Tedros said Spanish authorities are fully prepared to implement strict containment, monitoring, and evacuation protocols as part of efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.
Health officials continue to monitor passengers and crew members while international coordination remains ongoing following heightened concern over the outbreak.
The hantavirus scare drew global attention after reports emerged that possible exposed individuals had traveled internationally before stricter quarantine measures were imposed.
Earlier, Philippine authorities confirmed that 38 Filipino crew members aboard the MV Hondius remained asymptomatic and under monitoring.
The Department of Health also assured the public that the Philippines has the capability to conduct laboratory testing for hantavirus if necessary.
Hantavirus is commonly linked to exposure to infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, with symptoms including fever, body pain, headaches, and respiratory illness.
