WHO: Risk of Hantavirus to Global Population Remains Low

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made assessments at the WHO's weekly press conference. Ghebreyesus noted that they discussed the new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the country's officials, stating that 13 Ebola cases have been confirmed so far.

Commenting on hantavirus cases, Ghebreyesus reiterated his gratitude to the people of Tenerife in the Canary Islands for their solidarity with the passengers and crew of the Dutch-flagged 'MV Hondius' ship. Ghebreyesus noted that they are working with approximately 30 governments and other stakeholders to manage this crisis, stating, “I am pleased to report that the transfer operation of the ship's passengers from Tenerife has been successfully completed, and more than 120 people are now receiving care in their own countries or are quarantined in host countries while en route to their final destinations.”

Reminding that the ship's captain Jan Dobrogowski and 26 crew members continue their journey on the 'MV Hondius', Ghebreyesus stated that the ship is expected to arrive in the Netherlands on May 18. Ghebreyesus said, “The WHO reiterates that the risk of this incident to the global population is low, and we will continue to issue updates as necessary. As of today, a total of 10 cases, including 3 deaths, have been reported to the WHO.”