The World Health Organisation has warned that additional hantavirus infections may surface in the coming weeks after passengers aboard the outbreak-hit MV Hondius cruise ship were evacuated. While the WHO says the global health risk remains low, health authorities are maintaining strict monitoring measures as concerns grow over the spread of the deadly Andes virus strain.

According to reports by Cbinews.tv, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has disclosed that more hantavirus cases could emerge in the weeks ahead following the evacuation of passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship.

Speaking during a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid on Tuesday, Tedros stated that although the situation is being closely monitored, the overall global public health risk remains low.

“Given the long incubation period of the virus, it is possible that we may see more cases in the coming weeks,” he said.

The WHO confirmed that 11 hantavirus-related cases have been recorded so far, including three deaths. Nine of the infections have been confirmed as Andes virus cases, while two remain probable infections.

Tedros noted that there is currently “no sign” of a wider outbreak but advised that all evacuated passengers undergo active health monitoring for 42 days from their last exposure date, either at home or in designated quarantine facilities, until June 21.

He further stressed that anyone showing symptoms should be isolated and treated immediately.

The WHO chief also commended the Spanish government for accepting the MV Hondius and coordinating evacuation efforts after requests from the WHO, the European Union, and more than 20 countries seeking assistance in repatriating passengers aboard the vessel.

Spain officially agreed to receive the cruise ship on May 5 after the outbreak was reported onboard.

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