Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the completion of the operation involving a hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, which stranded nearly 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries for several weeks. The outbreak involved Andes hantavirus, a rare and potentially fatal virus that can, in rare cases, spread between humans through close contact. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the mission, coordinated under the International Health Regulations (IHR), was successful, with all passengers disembarked and the ship en route to the Netherlands.
As of 13 May, WHO reported 11 cases associated with the cruise ship, including three fatalities. Of these, eight were laboratory-confirmed Andes virus infections, two were probable cases, and one remained inconclusive pending further testing in the United States. WHO noted that all confirmed and suspected cases had been isolated and treated under strict medical supervision.
Though WHO indicated the global risk remains low and there was no evidence of a larger outbreak, the agency cautioned that additional cases could arise due to the virus's extended incubation period. As a precaution, active monitoring and quarantine of repatriated passengers and crew are advised for 42 days from 10 May. Countries have been requested to provide regular health updates through the IHR network, and anyone displaying symptoms should be immediately isolated and treated.
The operation involved over 120 people disembarking over two days and boarding nine charter flights arranged by eight countries. WHO officials highlighted that no passengers travelled on commercial flights during repatriation. Sara Barragan Montes, WHO technical lead on border health and points of entry, described the response as a key demonstration of the IHR framework in action.
WHO recognized Spain for accepting the ship for full disembarkation after determining Cabo Verde lacked adequate facilities, following the earlier evacuation of three symptomatic passengers. Director-General Tedros praised Prime Minister Sánchez for Spain’s compliance with international law and support during the health emergency.