Published on: 2026-05-12
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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At the moment, 11 cases of the disease caused by the virus have been registered, including three fatal cases. All 11 cases were identified among passengers and crew members of the Hondius vessel. As of today, there are no signs that a larger outbreak threatens us, but the situation may change.
This was reported by the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, speaking on Tuesday. Nine of the eleven cases have been confirmed as infections with the Andes virus (a type of hantavirus transmitted from person to person), and two others are considered probable.
“These figures have hardly changed over the past week thanks to the efforts of governments of several countries and partner organizations,” said the head of WHO. “Since May 2, when WHO first received information about a group of illnesses, no new fatal cases have been registered.”
According to him, all patients with suspected and confirmed infection were isolated and placed under strict medical supervision. “This minimizes the risk of further transmission of the infection,” he added.
Over the past week, these figures have remained almost unchanged thanks to the efforts of the governments of several countries and partner organizations
At the moment, there are no signs that we face a more large-scale outbreak, but the situation may change, the head of WHO believes.Â
He warned that, given the virus’s long incubation period, new cases of the disease could be detected in the coming weeks. “Each country to which the passengers were repatriated bears responsibility for monitoring their condition and health,” emphasized Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.
On Sunday and Monday, passengers and crew of the cruise liner Hondius disembarked on Tenerife. The operation was carried out under strict control of Spanish health authorities and WHO representatives, including the head of the organization. About 30 crew members remained on board the ship and departed back to the Netherlands accompanied by a medical team.
“The WHO is aware of reports about a small number of patients with symptoms consistent with virus infection,” Dr. Tedros said, speaking on Tuesday. “The organization is verifying each such report together with the respective countries.”
VOZ recommends actively monitoring such people either in a specially designated quarantine facility or at home for 42 days from the moment of the last possible contact with the virus. The last date of contact is considered May 10, therefore the observation period will be extended until June 21.
Any person who develops symptoms must be immediately isolated and receive treatment. “Our work is not yet finished,” emphasized the head of WHO, noting that the organization intends to continue close cooperation with the countries involved in this situation.
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