The number of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship at the center of an outbreak has increased to 13, the head of the World Health Organization(WHO) said on Wednesday.
"Spain reported a new case among the passengers who are in quarantine, which brings the total number of cases to 13," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X.
There are no new deaths reported since May 2,the total number of deaths remains three out of 13 reported cases so far, Tedros said.
"The situation remains stable. Passengers who got sick are receiving needed care, while others remain in quarantine," Tedros added, noting that WHO is in close contact with all the relevant governments.
Previously, a hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius raised fears. However, WHO has said that the overall risk to the public remains low, and has recommended that all evacuated passengers undergo active health monitoring for 42 days from their last exposure date, either in designated quarantine facilities or at home, with the monitoring period lasting until June 21.
The cruise ship's operator, the Oceanwide Expeditions, said on Wednesday that, following advice from Dutch health authorities, the vessel will delay its return to the home port of Vlissingen and will remain docked in Rotterdam for further cleaning and disinfection, in order to resume operations later.
The company said the cruise ship plans to resume operations and carry out scheduled voyages starting from June 13.
Number of hantavirus cases from cruise outbreak rises to 13: WHO
Number of hantavirus cases from cruise outbreak rises to 13: WHO
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar in Beijing on Tuesday.
Noting that in recent years, under the guidance of the two countries' leaders, the China-Slovakia strategic partnership has maintained high-level momentum, Wang said the relationship has become a model for countries of different sizes and systems to coexist in friendship, treat each other as equals and pursue win-win cooperation.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, briefed the Slovak side on the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He said that China is ready to enhance experience sharing with Slovakia on party and state governance, make good use of mechanisms such as the intergovernmental cooperation committee, and increase people-to-people and grassroots exchanges.
China is ready to work with Slovakia to act on the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
China always believes that China and Europe should remain committed to properly resolving frictions and differences through dialogue and consultation, and hopes Slovakia will continue to play a constructive role in the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations, Wang noted.
Blanar congratulated China on the successful convening of the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, saying that the overall leadership of the Party and long-term political and social stability are the institutional strength and political guarantee behind China's sustained and rapid development. Slovakia is ready to strengthen inter-party exchanges with China, he added.
Blanar noted that Slovakia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and always regards China as an important partner. Slovakia will continue to do its utmost to provide a stable and sound environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and cooperate in the country and offer greater facilitation for personnel exchanges, he said.
Slovakia is also ready to play a constructive role in Europe-China dialogue and cooperation and will continue to support and take part in China-Central and Eastern European Countries cooperation, Blanar added.
Chinese FM holds talks with Slovak counterpart
