WHO Addresses Hantavirus Fears: Why Experts Say It’s Unlikely to Become the “Next Covid”

Concern has been building online as reports of a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius continue to circulate. With multiple suspected infections and three reported deaths, many people are asking the same urgent question: could this turn into another global pandemic?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has now weighed in—acknowledging the seriousness of the disease while emphasizing that, based on what’s known today, the broader public health risk remains low.

WHO: Evacuations Underway and Passengers Being Monitored

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared an update stating that three suspected hantavirus patients were evacuated from the vessel and are being transported for medical care in the Netherlands. He noted that the response is being coordinated with the ship’s operator and national authorities, including Cabo Verde, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands.

He added that the WHO is continuing to work with the cruise operator to monitor the health of passengers and crew, support medical follow-up, and assist with evacuation where necessary. Monitoring has also begun for individuals who have already disembarked, in cooperation with national health agencies.