WHO chief says 'work not over' after hantavirus evacuation in Spain

"“There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak,” Tedros told a joint news conference in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. “But of course the situation could change, and given the long incubation period of the virus, it's possible we might see more cases in the coming weeks,” Tedros said."

"More than 120 passengers and crew on the MV Hondius were flown out from Spain's Canary Islands on Sunday and Monday, and countries have adopted different health measures for their returning evacuees. A Spanish man evacuated from the cruise ship tested positive for hantavirus and is showing symptoms, the Spanish health ministry said Tuesday."

"Among living patients, all passengers or crew from the ship, seven cases have been confirmed and an eighth is listed as “probable”, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Most countries have followed the WHO's guidelines, which include a 42-day quarantine and constant monitoring of high-risk contacts."

"But in the United States, Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said American passengers would not necessarily be quarantined. “I hope they (countries) will follow the advice and recommendations we are making,” Tedros said in Madrid."

Hantavirus containment efforts continue after new positive cases followed evacuation of the MV Hondius cruise ship from Spain’s Canary Islands. Three passengers died during a rare outbreak, and no vaccines or specific treatments exist. The World Health Organisation chief said there is no evidence of a larger outbreak, while warning the situation could change and additional cases may emerge over coming weeks because of long incubation. More than 120 passengers and crew were flown out, and countries used different health measures for returning evacuees. Spain reported a symptomatic man among evacuees tested positive. Confirmed cases among living patients reached seven, with an additional probable case. WHO guidance includes 42-day quarantine and monitoring of high-risk contacts, while the United States indicated quarantine may not be mandatory.

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