The World Health Organization has not detected any signs indicating the beginning of a large-scale outbreak of the Andes hantavirus. The statement was made on May 12 by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“At this stage, there are no indications that we are witnessing the start of a broader outbreak,” Ghebreyesus said in remarks published on the social media platform X.

At the same time, he stressed that the situation remains under close observation and could still change. According to Ghebreyesus, the virus has a relatively long incubation period, meaning additional infections could be identified in the coming weeks.

Earlier, American physician and researcher Steven Quay said that May 19 could become a key date in determining whether the hantavirus has spread beyond the cruise ship MV Hondius. He noted that second-generation cases developed symptoms after an average of 22 days.

The outbreak aboard the vessel was first reported earlier this month. On May 10, the ship arrived off the coast of a Spanish island for the evacuation of passengers and crew members. Reports indicated that at least three people on board died after contracting the Andes strain of the virus.