World Health Organization announced that 120 passengers were evacuated from a ship linked to a Hantavirus outbreak through nine evacuation flights coordinated across eight countries as international health authorities intensified efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
During a media briefing on the latest developments related to the Hantavirus outbreak, Sarah Barragan Montes, Technical Lead for Border and Port Health at the WHO headquarters, said international coordination efforts remain ongoing in response to the situation.
According to the WHO, 11 confirmed infections and three deaths linked to the outbreak have been recorded so far, while additional updates are expected to be published through the organization’s Disease Outbreak News platform under the direct supervision of WHO Director-General officials.
Montes explained that the international response operation began on May 2 after the United Kingdom notified the World Health Organization of a confirmed Hantavirus case, triggering a wider multinational public health response.
On May 9, a WHO team of specialists traveled to Spain and later to Tenerife, where an emergency event management team was activated to develop specialized technical guidance and coordinate containment measures.
Health officials said the response includes cross-border coordination, monitoring procedures, passenger tracing, and technical support aimed at preventing further international transmission.
Hantavirus is a rare viral disease commonly linked to rodents and exposure to contaminated environments. In severe cases, it can lead to serious respiratory and kidney complications.
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