World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday said additional hantavirus cases could still emerge in the coming weeks following the evacuation of passengers from the outbreak-hit cruise ship MV Hondius, while stressing that the global public health risk remains low.
“Given the long incubation period of the virus, it is possible that we may see more cases in the coming weeks,” Tedros said at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez held at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid.
According to Tedros, 11 hantavirus-related cases have so far been reported, including three deaths. Nine of the 11 cases have been confirmed as Andes virus infections, while the remaining two are considered probable cases.
“Our assessment continues to be that the global public health risk remains low,” he said, adding that there is currently “no sign” of a larger outbreak.
Tedros said WHO recommends that all evacuated passengers undergo active health monitoring for 42 days from their last exposure date, either in designated quarantine facilities or at home, with the monitoring period lasting until 21 June.
“Anyone who becomes symptomatic should be isolated and treated immediately,” he added. — Xinhua