WHO Issues Risk-Based Contact Management Guidance for Andes Virus; Medical Evacuation in Cabo Verde, May 2026
TL;DR
- · WHO advises Member States on risk-based identification, monitoring, and management of Andes virus contacts following suspected cases in Cabo Verde
- · Technical guidance issued to public health, port health authorities, and partner agencies for disembarkation and onward travel protocols
- · Document includes laboratory capacity-building recommendations for virology services in developing country settings
The WHO has issued technical guidance addressing the 2026 Andes virus situation, including a medical evacuation incident in Cabo Verde on 6 May 2026 involving people suspected of hantavirus infection. The advisory provides Member States with a risk-based framework for identifying, monitoring, and managing contacts of probable or confirmed Andes virus cases. Recommendations target public health authorities, port health authorities, and partner agencies involved in disembarkation and onward travel decisions. The broader context includes WHO support for establishing virology laboratory capacity in developing countries, addressing infrastructure, policy, and programme requirements essential for diagnosis and surveillance during outbreaks.
Related
More coverage
- cidrap.umn.edu · 2026-05-29WHO reports hantavirus outbreak on Dutch cruise ship with 3 deaths and 3 suspected cases
- independent.co.uk · 2026-05-28Australia extends quarantine to 42 days for MV Hondius cruise ship passengers after hantavirus outbreak
- euronews.com · 2026-05-22Spain modifies quarantine protocol for MV Hondius hantavirus contacts; WHO reports 12 cases across 7 countries
- newsweek.com · 2026-05-21Travel Creator Documents 42-Day Quarantine After MV Hondius Andes Virus Exposure
This is an AI-generated summary. For full reporting, read the original at who.int →