UN Provides Medical Support for Hantavirus Outbreak on Ship

The UN spokesman announced 8 cases of hantavirus, including 3 deaths, on a ship sailing the Atlantic. WHO and UN teams are providing support.

Fri May 08 2026

Hantavirus Outbreak on Ship and Response

Stephane Dujarric, Chief Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, stated during a briefing at UN Headquarters on May 7, 2026, that eight cases of hantavirus infection, including three deaths, have been reported on a ship currently sailing for the Canary Islands. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN team are supporting with tracking and investigating cases, providing guidance to health professionals, implementing infection prevention measures on board, and supplying medical provisions.

Expert Team Deployed and Medical Assessments Underway

A WHO expert boarded the ship in Cabo Verde and has been joined by two doctors from the Netherlands and an expert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. This team will remain on board until the ship reaches its next destination in the Canary Islands. They are conducting a comprehensive medical assessment of everyone on board and gathering information to assess the risk of infection.

*Source: YouTube: CGTN (2026-05-08)*

Tags: #Hantavirus #CruiseShip #UnitedNations #WHO #CanaryIslands