May 19, 2026
World
World
Brazil star Neymar has been recalled to the national team for the World Cup, marking a dramatic return after almost three years away from international duty.
GENEVA, May 18 — The World Health Organization said it continues to classify the hantavirus outbreak as “low risk,” as the cruise ship linked to the outbreak nears the Netherlands.
In a statement, the WHO said: “The public health risk has been reassessed with the most current information available, and the global risk remains low.”
It added that while further cases could still emerge among passengers and crew exposed before containment measures were introduced, the likelihood of onward transmission is expected to decline after disembarkation and the implementation of control protocols.
The MV Hondius is expected to arrive at the Port of Rotterdam between 10am (0800 GMT) and midday on May 18, where the remaining 27 people on board — 25 crew members and two medical staff — are set to disembark.
Operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, the vessel has drawn attention after three passengers died from hantavirus, a rare disease with no approved vaccine or specific treatment. — AFP
