The evacuation of passengers from a ship hit by an outbreak of Andes hantavirus has been completed, as countries now enforce a 42-day quarantine period to prevent further spread of the virus.
Spanish authorities coordinated the repatriation, supported by the World Health Organization, the European Union, and multiple governments. Nine cases have been linked to the ship, including seven confirmed infections and three deaths. One additional case remains under investigation.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the operation, calling it a "triumph of solidarity."
The final groups of passengers left the Canary Islands on specially arranged flights Monday. More than 30 crew members and two health workers remain aboard as the vessel heads to its home port of Rotterdam.
WHO officials stressed no passengers traveled on commercial flights. They urged countries to implement strict monitoring measures and enforce 42 days of quarantine from May 10, reflecting the virus's long incubation period.
Tedros emphasized this is not another COVID-19 but requires continued international coordination to protect public health.