The WHO calls for global preparations for hantavirus after the outbreak on the MV Hondius ship, where three passengers died.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, issued a call on Tuesday for authorities worldwide to prepare for possible new cases of hantavirus, following an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, where three passengers have died. Although there is no evidence of a widespread epidemic, the incubation period of six to eight weeks raises the risk of new infections.

So far, nine cases of hantavirus have been confirmed, including a new patient in Spain, evacuated from the ship. WHO recommends a 42-day quarantine for exposed individuals and careful monitoring of symptoms. Tedros praised the crisis management by Spanish authorities, while the MV Hondius is heading to Rotterdam with a reduced crew and medical personnel on board. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the importance of solidarity in the face of the health crisis.