WHO Updates on Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to MV Hondiu

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, during a joint news conference in Madrid, Spain, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that efforts to contain a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondiu cruise ship have not yet been fully effective. The outbreak has raised international concern, particularly as three passengers were diagnosed with the rare virus.

However, Ghebreyesus noted that the global public health risk remains low, and there is no evidence of a wider outbreak. He recommended a 42-day quarantine for close contacts of those infected, emphasizing the importance of monitoring high-risk individuals.

The MV Hondiu, which had 120 passengers and crew members, was evacuated to the Canary Islands, with different countries adopting separate health measures for their returning citizens. The situation poses diplomatic health challenges, as Cape Verde has refused to receive the vessel, which remains anchored offshore Praia, while Spain has allowed it to reach the Canary Islands for evacuation and health monitoring.