WHO chief “does not think” that the situation linked to the hantavirus outbreak on the “MV Hondius” is similar to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic

The cruise ship has been stuck since Sunday near the port of Praia, Cape Verde, due to strong suspicions of an outbreak of hantavirus, a serious infection that can cause acute respiratory syndrome.

The Director General of the World Health Organization wants to be reassuring. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus “does not think” that the situation arising from the appearance of an outbreak of hantavirus on the cruise ship off the coast of Cape Verde is similar to that of the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. “For the moment, the risk for the rest of the world is low,” he explained to AFP on Wednesday May 6.

“We currently have (…) eight suspected cases. Three of the patients were evacuated just a few hours ago,” recalled Tedros Adhanom Tedros, referring to two sick crew members and an asymptomatic contact person who took off from Cape Verde on Wednesday aboard two medical planes.

“We already have health professionals on board, including WHO staff. And we will continue to monitor and support those on board. We will also monitor the situation externally,” the WHO chief promised.