WHO downplays pandemic risk from cruise ship hantavirus outbreak, expects limited spread

The World Health Organization held a press briefing to address concerns about a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged that additional cases may occur given the virus's prolonged incubation period, but emphasized the overall public health threat remains low. Abdirahman Mahamud noted that a widespread epidemic is not expected, while Maria Van Kerkhove clarified the situation does not represent the beginning of a pandemic comparable to Covid-19. The briefing aimed to provide reassurance while acknowledging ongoing contact-tracing efforts to locate passengers who disembarked before the outbreak was officially confirmed.