Cruise ship hit by fatal Hantavirus, WHO: Public risk 'extremely low'
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the risk to the public from a fatal Hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship is 'extremely low'. This is because the virus is transmitted only through 'very close contact'.
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- 📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 19:35
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Geneva, 8th, Comprehensive foreign reports) Following a fatal Hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship, the World Health Organization (WHO) today stated that the virus poses an extremely low risk to the public, as it is only transmitted through "very close contact."
Agence France-Presse reported that the outbreak on the MV Hondius has drawn international concern, with the cruise ship currently sailing towards Tenerife Island, Spain. According to the latest WHO bulletin, three passengers on board have already died.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier pointed out at a press conference in Geneva: "This is a dangerous virus, but only those truly infected are at risk; the risk to the general public remains extremely low."
He mentioned that even among travelers who shared the same cabin on the MV Hondius, where the outbreak occurred, "in some cases, both did not seem to be infected" with the virus. (Compiled by Chen Cheng-chien) 1150508
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(Central News Agency, Geneva, 8th, Comprehensive foreign reports) Following a fatal Hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship, the World Health Organization (WHO) today stated that the virus poses an extremely low risk to the public, as it is only transmitted through "very close contact."
Agence France-Presse reported that the outbreak on the MV Hondius has drawn international concern, with the cruise ship currently sailing towards Tenerife Island, Spain. According to the latest WHO bulletin, three passengers on board have already died.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier pointed out at a press conference in Geneva: "This is a dangerous virus, but only those truly infected are at risk; the risk to the general public remains extremely low."
He mentioned that even among travelers who shared the same cabin on the MV Hondius, where the outbreak occurred, "in some cases, both did not seem to be infected" with the virus. (Compiled by Chen Cheng-chien) 1150508
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.