Geneva – World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a statement from Geneva to address concerns regarding the Hanta virus, asserting that it does not represent the start of a new pandemic. Maria Van Kerkhove, the acting Director of the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, confirmed during a press conference that the risk to public health remains low globally. This assessment includes the Canary Islands, where the cruise ship MV Hondius is currently positioned. Officials noted that the virus does not spread in the same manner as COVID-19, as most Hanta virus strains do not transmit between humans.

The current outbreak is specifically linked to the Andes virus, which is the only known variant capable of limited human-to-human transmission. This occurs primarily through close and prolonged contact, particularly within confined indoor spaces. Consequently, the health risk is currently confined to the passengers on the vessel. Precautionary measures are strictly in place, including the isolation of infected individuals, thorough cabin disinfection, and the deployment of a health expert to the ship. Additionally, thousands of diagnostic kits have been provided to facilitate testing. To date, eight cases have been recorded in connection with the ship, resulting in three fatalities, while the overall risk remains categorised as low.