Arabic version: منظمة الصحة العالمية تتناول مخاوف فيروس هانتا وتؤكد للجمهور انخفاض المخاطر

The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that while more cases of hantavirus are expected, a large epidemic is not anticipated. According to The Guardian, the outbreak has been linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina, which involved two passengers before they boarded the cruise ship MV Hondius.

WHO experts have emphasized that this situation differs significantly from the COVID-19 pandemic. They reassured the public that hantavirus spreads differently and that current evidence suggests a low risk to Europeans. The WHO chief noted that the virus’s incubation period can be up to six weeks, which means more cases may still emerge as health officials monitor the situation closely.

The first confirmed case was reported in a man who developed symptoms on 6 April and died on 11 April. His wife, who went ashore when the ship docked at the island of Saint Helena, also symptomatic, deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg and died on 26 April. The third victim was a woman on the ship who reported symptoms on 28 April and died on 2 May. Another case, a man who reported to the ship’s doctor on 24 April, was evacuated the next days and remains in intensive care. The WHO is coordinating with local authorities to manage potential health risks as the situation develops. In response to the outbreak, public health measures are being put in place to prevent further transmission.

In the Canary Islands, authorities are preparing for the arrival of the MV Hondius, which is expected to anchor off the coast of Tenerife. The Spanish national health ministry has assured that the ship poses no threat to public health. Regional leaders have expressed concerns, but health officials are confident in their response strategies, aiming to minimize contact with the local population during the evacuation of affected passengers.