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Write about: World Health Organization expects more hantavirus cases but doesn’t ‘anticipate large epidemic’ – Europe live | World news
SOURCE
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
As the press conference wraps up, here is a summary of the key points:
-
World Health Organization experts stressed the hantavirus cruise outbreak was “not the start of Covid pandemic” (14:38, 15:44) as they pointed several differences between the two viruses and insisted the public health risk remained low (15:24, 16:17).
-
There are currently eight cases, with three people dead (15:20), but the situation is believed to be largely contained to the cruise ship with expansive public health operation under way to minimise risk of further transmission.
-
“We do not anticipate large epidemic,” the WHO’s senior expert said (15:40).
-
The new virus needs “close and prolonged” contact for transmission, such as among household members, intimate partners, and people providing medical care (15:20).
-
The incubation period of virus is expected to be “up to six weeks,” with WHO noting that more cases are “possible” (15:23)
-
The first confirmed case is believed to be linked to a birdwatching trip in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay (15:28).
Key events
-
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
-
‘Risk to general public is low,’ WHO expert insists
-
‘Sending messages across world and panicking everyone is not required,’ WHO expert says
-
Viruses don’t care about our politics, WHO chief says in swipe at US decision to withdraw from body
-
WHO seeks to reassure public and end comparisons with Covid pandemic – snap analysis
-
Spain reassures Canary islands authorities evacuation will pose no risk
-
‘This is not SARS-CoV-2,’ WHO expert reassures public
-
‘We don’t anticipate large epidemic,’ WHO expert says, as he discusses differences with Covid
-
‘This is not Covid, not influenza; it spreads very, very differently,’ WHO expert says
-
Morale on ship improving, WHO chief says
-
First pair affected understood to have travelled through South America on birdwatching trip
-
‘Serious incident, but public health risk is low,’ WHO chief says
-
WHO chief says incubation period of virus can be ‘up to six weeks’ and ‘possible’ to see more cases
-
WHO press conference on hantavirus begins
-
Virus-hit cruise passengers to be evacuated by boats with no contact with local population, Canary Islands authorities say
-
WHO chief to offer update on hantavirus situation shortly
-
‘Friendly and constructive’ talks with Pope Leo on ‘efforts to achieve … peace in Middle East,’ US says
-
Airlines still have to pay compensation if flights cancelled due to fuel crisis, EU says
-
Rubio leaves after meeting with Pope Leo amid tense relations between Vatican and US
-
‘Considerable progress’ made in EU talks on finalising trade deal with US
-
Current evidence shows hantavirus continues to pose ‘low’ risk to Europeans, UN insists
-
EU will not leave Kyiv despite warnings of possible Russian strikes
-
Hungary’s Magyar meets with Italy’s Meloni ahead of inauguration weekend
-
Ukraine, international order, Europe’s push to arm part of discussions with Pope Leo, Poland’s Tusk says
-
Rubio arrives in Vatican for talks with Pope Leo – in pictures
-
Rubio arrives for two-day visit to see Pope Leo, Italy’s Meloni
-
Romania reports brief breach of its airspace by Russian drone attacking Ukraine last night
-
Morning opening: Latvia investigates drones ‘from Russia’ after overnight airspace violations

Jakub Krupa
It was very notable that the WHO was keen to strike a reassuring tone in this press conference: yes, the outbreak on the ship is a serious public health situation and needs to be cautiously managed given its characteristics, but it remains mostly contained and the overall risk to the general public remains low as its transmission works very differently to Covid.
It was clear that the main point we were meant to take from this briefing is that, in the WHO’s view, the situation is nothing like the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Well, let’s hope they’re right.
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
As the press conference wraps up, here is a summary of the key points:
-
World Health Organization experts stressed the hantavirus cruise outbreak was “not the start of Covid pandemic” (14:38, 15:44) as they pointed several differences between the two viruses and insisted the public health risk remained low (15:24, 16:17).
-
There are currently eight cases, with three people dead (15:20), but the situation is believed to be largely contained to the cruise ship with expansive public health operation under way to minimise risk of further transmission.
-
“We do not anticipate large epidemic,” the WHO’s senior expert said (15:40).
-
The new virus needs “close and prolonged” contact for transmission, such as among household members, intimate partners, and people providing medical care (15:20).
-
The incubation period of virus is expected to be “up to six weeks,” with WHO noting that more cases are “possible” (15:23)
-
The first confirmed case is believed to be linked to a birdwatching trip in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay (15:28).
‘Risk to general public is low,’ WHO expert insists
WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove is very clear though on the scale, as she repeats – time and time again – that the overall risk remains low.
“I do want to reiterate contextually what we’re talking about. The risk to the general public is low.”
WHO’s Anaïs Legand says in previous outbreaks a “high” mortality rate associated with the hantavirus was observed, as she talks up the importance of early supportive and intensive care to address the issue as early as possible.
“It is very important that any patient can be admitted to a safe and adequately equipped [space] with trained staff to ensure that patients can receive the level of care that is needed, in case they present severe presentation and deteriorate,” she says.
WHO’s Anaïs Legand says that the incubation of the virus takes up to six weeks, and during that time contact could be potentially exposed.
She says people need to monitor their health for any sign of symptoms.
But Maria Van Kerkhove adds that doesn’t necessarily mean people necessarily have to be in isolation for that long, and it depends on specific exposure.
The WHO also insists they are working on further sequencing of the virus, involving relevant experts from Argentina, and so far nothing unusual popped up.
“But that’s why we bring together the best minds to be able to do that,” WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove says.
The WHO experts get asked about how long it takes to test for the new hantavirus.
They say the countries involved are scaling up to “ensure the adequate reagents” are available, but note “this is not a very common virus.”
But with the reagents available, the PCR test (brrrrr, I didn’t miss having to type this phrase) can be performed “in a matter of hours.”
“I can assure you that everybody that is involved with this is just as eager to do the testing as quickly as they can, as long as they have the right materials,” they add.
‘Sending messages across world and panicking everyone is not required,’ WHO expert says
WHO’s head of department for Health Emergency Alert and Response Operations, Abdirahman Sheikh Mahamud, sends a further signal to reassure the public.
He says the system is “dealing” with the issue, and dismisses suggestion that some authorities – the question was about the US – should be much more aggressive in informing the public.
“This is a limited epidemic confined to a cruise ship, so [the] idea of sending messages across the world and panicking everyone is not required,” he says.
He insists all the right actions are being taken.
A reminder that you can follow along the WHO briefing with us here:
Viruses don’t care about our politics, WHO chief says in swipe at US decision to withdraw from body
WHO experts got asked about the role of the US in all of it, given the country has citizens on the ship, but no longer considers itself a part of the body.
Abdirahman Sheikh Mahamud says they have been exchanging information well so far, with good flow of information.
WHO’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus later adds on to this, as he says:
“Viruses don’t care about our politics and they don’t care about our borders, and they don’t care about … all the excuses that we may have, so I hope this could be a good lesson for the whole world, because solidarity is our best immunity.”
WHO seeks to reassure public and end comparisons with Covid pandemic – snap analysis

Jakub Krupa
So far, this is a clear attempt by the WHO to reassure the public that despite growing public scrutiny of the virus and understandable concerns about another global pandemic six years on from Covid, it is in fact a very different situation.
The experts are very clear that it is a completely different virus, with different forms of transmission, and while the number of cases may rise a bit, they do not expect the situation to get much worse and lead to a large epidemic.
They insist that it remains a largely contained outbreak on the ship and lots of public health measures are being implemented to stop further onwards transmission.
Spain reassures Canary islands authorities evacuation will pose no risk

Sam Jones
in Madrid
Meanwhile, Spain’s national health ministry has moved to reassure the regional government of the Canary islands that the MV Hondius will present no threat to public health when it arrives in Tenerife at around midday on Sunday.
The president of the archipelago, Fernando Clavijo, has voiced concerns over the central government’s decision to allow the ship into the Canaries, and had asked for a meeting with the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez. EU nations are expected to begin evacuating their citizens from the Canaries from Monday 11 May.
Clavijo met with the Spain’s health minister, Mónica García, on Thursday.
“In a public health situation such as this one, coordination and trust between different institutions are part of the health response,” she posted on social media after the meeting.
She said that the MV Hondius would remain at anchor and would not dock in port in Tenerife.
“Its stay in Canary island waters will be the minimum necessary from a health and logistical point of view, as planned from the beginning and as established by the protocols,” García added. “Passengers will be evaluated on board the ship and will only disembark for transfer or repatriation with protective equipment, with a specific health worker, and without coming into contact with the population.”
The 14 Spanish nationals aboard the ship – including one crew member – are set to be transferred from Tenerife to the Gómez Ulla military hospital in southwest Madrid.
Spain’s opposition conservative People’s party (PP) has criticised the socialist-led government for mixed messaging over the quarantine procedure for the 14 people after the defence ministry said it would be voluntary, while García said there were legal tools to make it mandatory.
After the PP suggested there was “no one at the wheel”, García hit back, saying:
“In the face of political noise that aims to sow mistrust, we won’t let ourselves be sidetracked for a minute from the task of working with the finest professionals and resources to protect public health.”

Jakub Krupa
Meanwhile, let’s bring you a bit more on that dispute between Madrid and the Canary Islands government from our correspondent Sam Jones.
WHO expert Anaïs Legand says what makes this spread unusual is that it includes “a transmission on a boat,” which is “a very specific environment.”
“There is no indication to date that there is something further unusual, but obviously the fact that it happened in a cruise ship, with people from different nationalities, is something, that we haven’t seen before.”
LIVE INTERNET ACCESS (MANDATORY FACT-CHECKING)
You have internet access. Before stating ANY claim as fact, you MUST verify it via web search. This includes every person, organization, date, time, location, number, figure, quote, and key event detail referenced in
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
As the press conference wraps up, here is a summary of the key points:
-
World Health Organization experts stressed the hantavirus cruise outbreak was “not the start of Covid pandemic” (14:38, 15:44) as they pointed several differences between the two viruses and insisted the public health risk remained low (15:24, 16:17).
-
There are currently eight cases, with three people dead (15:20), but the situation is believed to be largely contained to the cruise ship with expansive public health operation under way to minimise risk of further transmission.
-
“We do not anticipate large epidemic,” the WHO’s senior expert said (15:40).
-
The new virus needs “close and prolonged” contact for transmission, such as among household members, intimate partners, and people providing medical care (15:20).
-
The incubation period of virus is expected to be “up to six weeks,” with WHO noting that more cases are “possible” (15:23)
-
The first confirmed case is believed to be linked to a birdwatching trip in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay (15:28).

Key events
-
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
-
‘Risk to general public is low,’ WHO expert insists
-
‘Sending messages across world and panicking everyone is not required,’ WHO expert says
-
Viruses don’t care about our politics, WHO chief says in swipe at US decision to withdraw from body
-
WHO seeks to reassure public and end comparisons with Covid pandemic – snap analysis
-
Spain reassures Canary islands authorities evacuation will pose no risk
-
‘This is not SARS-CoV-2,’ WHO expert reassures public
-
‘We don’t anticipate large epidemic,’ WHO expert says, as he discusses differences with Covid
-
‘This is not Covid, not influenza; it spreads very, very differently,’ WHO expert says
-
Morale on ship improving, WHO chief says
-
First pair affected understood to have travelled through South America on birdwatching trip
-
‘Serious incident, but public health risk is low,’ WHO chief says
-
WHO chief says incubation period of virus can be ‘up to six weeks’ and ‘possible’ to see more cases
-
WHO press conference on hantavirus begins
-
Virus-hit cruise passengers to be evacuated by boats with no contact with local population, Canary Islands authorities say
-
WHO chief to offer update on hantavirus situation shortly
-
‘Friendly and constructive’ talks with Pope Leo on ‘efforts to achieve … peace in Middle East,’ US says
-
Airlines still have to pay compensation if flights cancelled due to fuel crisis, EU says
-
Rubio leaves after meeting with Pope Leo amid tense relations between Vatican and US
-
‘Considerable progress’ made in EU talks on finalising trade deal with US
-
Current evidence shows hantavirus continues to pose ‘low’ risk to Europeans, UN insists
-
EU will not leave Kyiv despite warnings of possible Russian strikes
-
Hungary’s Magyar meets with Italy’s Meloni ahead of inauguration weekend
-
Ukraine, international order, Europe’s push to arm part of discussions with Pope Leo, Poland’s Tusk says
-
Rubio arrives in Vatican for talks with Pope Leo – in pictures
-
Rubio arrives for two-day visit to see Pope Leo, Italy’s Meloni
-
Romania reports brief breach of its airspace by Russian drone attacking Ukraine last night
-
Morning opening: Latvia investigates drones ‘from Russia’ after overnight airspace violations

Jakub Krupa
It was very notable that the WHO was keen to strike a reassuring tone in this press conference: yes, the outbreak on the ship is a serious public health situation and needs to be cautiously managed given its characteristics, but it remains mostly contained and the overall risk to the general public remains low as its transmission works very differently to Covid.
It was clear that the main point we were meant to take from this briefing is that, in the WHO’s view, the situation is nothing like the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Well, let’s hope they’re right.
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
As the press conference wraps up, here is a summary of the key points:
-
World Health Organization experts stressed the hantavirus cruise outbreak was “not the start of Covid pandemic” (14:38, 15:44) as they pointed several differences between the two viruses and insisted the public health risk remained low (15:24, 16:17).
-
There are currently eight cases, with three people dead (15:20), but the situation is believed to be largely contained to the cruise ship with expansive public health operation under way to minimise risk of further transmission.
-
“We do not anticipate large epidemic,” the WHO’s senior expert said (15:40).
-
The new virus needs “close and prolonged” contact for transmission, such as among household members, intimate partners, and people providing medical care (15:20).
-
The incubation period of virus is expected to be “up to six weeks,” with WHO noting that more cases are “possible” (15:23)
-
The first confirmed case is believed to be linked to a birdwatching trip in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay (15:28).
‘Risk to general public is low,’ WHO expert insists
WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove is very clear though on the scale, as she repeats – time and time again – that the overall risk remains low.
“I do want to reiterate contextually what we’re talking about. The risk to the general public is low.”
WHO’s Anaïs Legand says in previous outbreaks a “high” mortality rate associated with the hantavirus was observed, as she talks up the importance of early supportive and intensive care to address the issue as early as possible.
“It is very important that any patient can be admitted to a safe and adequately equipped [space] with trained staff to ensure that patients can receive the level of care that is needed, in case they present severe presentation and deteriorate,” she says.
WHO’s Anaïs Legand says that the incubation of the virus takes up to six weeks, and during that time contact could be potentially exposed.
She says people need to monitor their health for any sign of symptoms.
But Maria Van Kerkhove adds that doesn’t necessarily mean people necessarily have to be in isolation for that long, and it depends on specific exposure.
The WHO also insists they are working on further sequencing of the virus, involving relevant experts from Argentina, and so far nothing unusual popped up.
“But that’s why we bring together the best minds to be able to do that,” WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove says.
The WHO experts get asked about how long it takes to test for the new hantavirus.
They say the countries involved are scaling up to “ensure the adequate reagents” are available, but note “this is not a very common virus.”
But with the reagents available, the PCR test (brrrrr, I didn’t miss having to type this phrase) can be performed “in a matter of hours.”
“I can assure you that everybody that is involved with this is just as eager to do the testing as quickly as they can, as long as they have the right materials,” they add.
‘Sending messages across world and panicking everyone is not required,’ WHO expert says
WHO’s head of department for Health Emergency Alert and Response Operations, Abdirahman Sheikh Mahamud, sends a further signal to reassure the public.
He says the system is “dealing” with the issue, and dismisses suggestion that some authorities – the question was about the US – should be much more aggressive in informing the public.
“This is a limited epidemic confined to a cruise ship, so [the] idea of sending messages across the world and panicking everyone is not required,” he says.
He insists all the right actions are being taken.
A reminder that you can follow along the WHO briefing with us here:
Viruses don’t care about our politics, WHO chief says in swipe at US decision to withdraw from body
WHO experts got asked about the role of the US in all of it, given the country has citizens on the ship, but no longer considers itself a part of the body.
Abdirahman Sheikh Mahamud says they have been exchanging information well so far, with good flow of information.
WHO’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus later adds on to this, as he says:
“Viruses don’t care about our politics and they don’t care about our borders, and they don’t care about … all the excuses that we may have, so I hope this could be a good lesson for the whole world, because solidarity is our best immunity.”
WHO seeks to reassure public and end comparisons with Covid pandemic – snap analysis

Jakub Krupa
So far, this is a clear attempt by the WHO to reassure the public that despite growing public scrutiny of the virus and understandable concerns about another global pandemic six years on from Covid, it is in fact a very different situation.
The experts are very clear that it is a completely different virus, with different forms of transmission, and while the number of cases may rise a bit, they do not expect the situation to get much worse and lead to a large epidemic.
They insist that it remains a largely contained outbreak on the ship and lots of public health measures are being implemented to stop further onwards transmission.
Spain reassures Canary islands authorities evacuation will pose no risk

Sam Jones
in Madrid
Meanwhile, Spain’s national health ministry has moved to reassure the regional government of the Canary islands that the MV Hondius will present no threat to public health when it arrives in Tenerife at around midday on Sunday.
The president of the archipelago, Fernando Clavijo, has voiced concerns over the central government’s decision to allow the ship into the Canaries, and had asked for a meeting with the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez. EU nations are expected to begin evacuating their citizens from the Canaries from Monday 11 May.
Clavijo met with the Spain’s health minister, Mónica García, on Thursday.
“In a public health situation such as this one, coordination and trust between different institutions are part of the health response,” she posted on social media after the meeting.
She said that the MV Hondius would remain at anchor and would not dock in port in Tenerife.
“Its stay in Canary island waters will be the minimum necessary from a health and logistical point of view, as planned from the beginning and as established by the protocols,” García added. “Passengers will be evaluated on board the ship and will only disembark for transfer or repatriation with protective equipment, with a specific health worker, and without coming into contact with the population.”
The 14 Spanish nationals aboard the ship – including one crew member – are set to be transferred from Tenerife to the Gómez Ulla military hospital in southwest Madrid.
Spain’s opposition conservative People’s party (PP) has criticised the socialist-led government for mixed messaging over the quarantine procedure for the 14 people after the defence ministry said it would be voluntary, while García said there were legal tools to make it mandatory.
After the PP suggested there was “no one at the wheel”, García hit back, saying:
“In the face of political noise that aims to sow mistrust, we won’t let ourselves be sidetracked for a minute from the task of working with the finest professionals and resources to protect public health.”

Jakub Krupa
Meanwhile, let’s bring you a bit more on that dispute between Madrid and the Canary Islands government from our correspondent Sam Jones.
WHO expert Anaïs Legand says what makes this spread unusual is that it includes “a transmission on a boat,” which is “a very specific environment.”
“There is no indication to date that there is something further unusual, but obviously the fact that it happened in a cruise ship, with people from different nationalities, is something, that we haven’t seen before.”
.
• If a detail cannot be verified, omit it OR mark it clearly as unconfirmed with neutral attribution.
• Never guess. Never fabricate. Never invent URLs, sources, quotes, or figures.
• If credible sources disagree, acknowledge the discrepancy briefly and neutrally, attributing each version with inline links.
MISSION
Rework and substantially expand the story in
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
As the press conference wraps up, here is a summary of the key points:
-
World Health Organization experts stressed the hantavirus cruise outbreak was “not the start of Covid pandemic” (14:38, 15:44) as they pointed several differences between the two viruses and insisted the public health risk remained low (15:24, 16:17).
-
There are currently eight cases, with three people dead (15:20), but the situation is believed to be largely contained to the cruise ship with expansive public health operation under way to minimise risk of further transmission.
-
“We do not anticipate large epidemic,” the WHO’s senior expert said (15:40).
-
The new virus needs “close and prolonged” contact for transmission, such as among household members, intimate partners, and people providing medical care (15:20).
-
The incubation period of virus is expected to be “up to six weeks,” with WHO noting that more cases are “possible” (15:23)
-
The first confirmed case is believed to be linked to a birdwatching trip in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay (15:28).

Key events
-
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
-
‘Risk to general public is low,’ WHO expert insists
-
‘Sending messages across world and panicking everyone is not required,’ WHO expert says
-
Viruses don’t care about our politics, WHO chief says in swipe at US decision to withdraw from body
-
WHO seeks to reassure public and end comparisons with Covid pandemic – snap analysis
-
Spain reassures Canary islands authorities evacuation will pose no risk
-
‘This is not SARS-CoV-2,’ WHO expert reassures public
-
‘We don’t anticipate large epidemic,’ WHO expert says, as he discusses differences with Covid
-
‘This is not Covid, not influenza; it spreads very, very differently,’ WHO expert says
-
Morale on ship improving, WHO chief says
-
First pair affected understood to have travelled through South America on birdwatching trip
-
‘Serious incident, but public health risk is low,’ WHO chief says
-
WHO chief says incubation period of virus can be ‘up to six weeks’ and ‘possible’ to see more cases
-
WHO press conference on hantavirus begins
-
Virus-hit cruise passengers to be evacuated by boats with no contact with local population, Canary Islands authorities say
-
WHO chief to offer update on hantavirus situation shortly
-
‘Friendly and constructive’ talks with Pope Leo on ‘efforts to achieve … peace in Middle East,’ US says
-
Airlines still have to pay compensation if flights cancelled due to fuel crisis, EU says
-
Rubio leaves after meeting with Pope Leo amid tense relations between Vatican and US
-
‘Considerable progress’ made in EU talks on finalising trade deal with US
-
Current evidence shows hantavirus continues to pose ‘low’ risk to Europeans, UN insists
-
EU will not leave Kyiv despite warnings of possible Russian strikes
-
Hungary’s Magyar meets with Italy’s Meloni ahead of inauguration weekend
-
Ukraine, international order, Europe’s push to arm part of discussions with Pope Leo, Poland’s Tusk says
-
Rubio arrives in Vatican for talks with Pope Leo – in pictures
-
Rubio arrives for two-day visit to see Pope Leo, Italy’s Meloni
-
Romania reports brief breach of its airspace by Russian drone attacking Ukraine last night
-
Morning opening: Latvia investigates drones ‘from Russia’ after overnight airspace violations

Jakub Krupa
It was very notable that the WHO was keen to strike a reassuring tone in this press conference: yes, the outbreak on the ship is a serious public health situation and needs to be cautiously managed given its characteristics, but it remains mostly contained and the overall risk to the general public remains low as its transmission works very differently to Covid.
It was clear that the main point we were meant to take from this briefing is that, in the WHO’s view, the situation is nothing like the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Well, let’s hope they’re right.
Hantavirus cruise outbreak ‘not the start of Covid pandemic,’ WHO insists, with ‘low’ risk to general public – summary
As the press conference wraps up, here is a summary of the key points:
-
World Health Organization experts stressed the hantavirus cruise outbreak was “not the start of Covid pandemic” (14:38, 15:44) as they pointed several differences between the two viruses and insisted the public health risk remained low (15:24, 16:17).
-
There are currently eight cases, with three people dead (15:20), but the situation is believed to be largely contained to the cruise ship with expansive public health operation under way to minimise risk of further transmission.
-
“We do not anticipate large epidemic,” the WHO’s senior expert said (15:40).
-
The new virus needs “close and prolonged” contact for transmission, such as among household members, intimate partners, and people providing medical care (15:20).
-
The incubation period of virus is expected to be “up to six weeks,” with WHO noting that more cases are “possible” (15:23)
-
The first confirmed case is believed to be linked to a birdwatching trip in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay (15:28).
‘Risk to general public is low,’ WHO expert insists
WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove is very clear though on the scale, as she repeats – time and time again – that the overall risk remains low.
“I do want to reiterate contextually what we’re talking about. The risk to the general public is low.”
WHO’s Anaïs Legand says in previous outbreaks a “high” mortality rate associated with the hantavirus was observed, as she talks up the importance of early supportive and intensive care to address the issue as early as possible.
“It is very important that any patient can be admitted to a safe and adequately equipped [space] with trained staff to ensure that patients can receive the level of care that is needed, in case they present severe presentation and deteriorate,” she says.
WHO’s Anaïs Legand says that the incubation of the virus takes up to six weeks, and during that time contact could be potentially exposed.
She says people need to monitor their health for any sign of symptoms.
But Maria Van Kerkhove adds that doesn’t necessarily mean people necessarily have to be in isolation for that long, and it depends on specific exposure.
The WHO also insists they are working on further sequencing of the virus, involving relevant experts from Argentina, and so far nothing unusual popped up.
“But that’s why we bring together the best minds to be able to do that,” WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove says.
The WHO experts get asked about how long it takes to test for the new hantavirus.
They say the countries involved are scaling up to “ensure the adequate reagents” are available, but note “this is not a very common virus.”
But with the reagents available, the PCR test (brrrrr, I didn’t miss having to type this phrase) can be performed “in a matter of hours.”
“I can assure you that everybody that is involved with this is just as eager to do the testing as quickly as they can, as long as they have the right materials,” they add.
‘Sending messages across world and panicking everyone is not required,’ WHO expert says
WHO’s head of department for Health Emergency Alert and Response Operations, Abdirahman Sheikh Mahamud, sends a further signal to reassure the public.
He says the system is “dealing” with the issue, and dismisses suggestion that some authorities – the question was about the US – should be much more aggressive in informing the public.
“This is a limited epidemic confined to a cruise ship, so [the] idea of sending messages across the world and panicking everyone is not required,” he says.
He insists all the right actions are being taken.
A reminder that you can follow along the WHO briefing with us here:
Viruses don’t care about our politics, WHO chief says in swipe at US decision to withdraw from body
WHO experts got asked about the role of the US in all of it, given the country has citizens on the ship, but no longer considers itself a part of the body.
Abdirahman Sheikh Mahamud says they have been exchanging information well so far, with good flow of information.
WHO’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus later adds on to this, as he says:
“Viruses don’t care about our politics and they don’t care about our borders, and they don’t care about … all the excuses that we may have, so I hope this could be a good lesson for the whole world, because solidarity is our best immunity.”
WHO seeks to reassure public and end comparisons with Covid pandemic – snap analysis

Jakub Krupa
So far, this is a clear attempt by the WHO to reassure the public that despite growing public scrutiny of the virus and understandable concerns about another global pandemic six years on from Covid, it is in fact a very different situation.
The experts are very clear that it is a completely different virus, with different forms of transmission, and while the number of cases may rise a bit, they do not expect the situation to get much worse and lead to a large epidemic.
They insist that it remains a largely contained outbreak on the ship and lots of public health measures are being implemented to stop further onwards transmission.
Spain reassures Canary islands authorities evacuation will pose no risk

Sam Jones
in Madrid
Meanwhile, Spain’s national health ministry has moved to reassure the regional government of the Canary islands that the MV Hondius will present no threat to public health when it arrives in Tenerife at around midday on Sunday.
The president of the archipelago, Fernando Clavijo, has voiced concerns over the central government’s decision to allow the ship into the Canaries, and had asked for a meeting with the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez. EU nations are expected to begin evacuating their citizens from the Canaries from Monday 11 May.
Clavijo met with the Spain’s health minister, Mónica García, on Thursday.
“In a public health situation such as this one, coordination and trust between different institutions are part of the health response,” she posted on social media after the meeting.
She said that the MV Hondius would remain at anchor and would not dock in port in Tenerife.
“Its stay in Canary island waters will be the minimum necessary from a health and logistical point of view, as planned from the beginning and as established by the protocols,” García added. “Passengers will be evaluated on board the ship and will only disembark for transfer or repatriation with protective equipment, with a specific health worker, and without coming into contact with the population.”
The 14 Spanish nationals aboard the ship – including one crew member – are set to be transferred from Tenerife to the Gómez Ulla military hospital in southwest Madrid.
Spain’s opposition conservative People’s party (PP) has criticised the socialist-led government for mixed messaging over the quarantine procedure for the 14 people after the defence ministry said it would be voluntary, while García said there were legal tools to make it mandatory.
After the PP suggested there was “no one at the wheel”, García hit back, saying:
“In the face of political noise that aims to sow mistrust, we won’t let ourselves be sidetracked for a minute from the task of working with the finest professionals and resources to protect public health.”

Jakub Krupa
Meanwhile, let’s bring you a bit more on that dispute between Madrid and the Canary Islands government from our correspondent Sam Jones.
WHO expert Anaïs Legand says what makes this spread unusual is that it includes “a transmission on a boat,” which is “a very specific environment.”
“There is no indication to date that there is something further unusual, but obviously the fact that it happened in a cruise ship, with people from different nationalities, is something, that we haven’t seen before.”
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