The World Health Organization has reassured the public that the risk posed by the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius remains “absolutely low,” despite confirmed deaths associated with the virus.
WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier stated in Geneva that the virus spreads mainly through very close contact, stressing that the danger to the wider public remains minimal.
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, five confirmed and three suspected cases have been reported so far, including three deaths.
Health officials noted that even some passengers who shared cabins aboard the MV Hondius did not contract the infection, suggesting limited human-to-human transmission.
The outbreak has drawn international attention after three cruise passengers died following travel through South America. Authorities, however, say the hantavirus strain involved is significantly less contagious than COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the situation and expressed hope that the outbreak remained under control.
Argentine health authorities also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the infection, adding that no definitive source has yet been identified.
