Trump Defies Criticism and Celebrates U.S. Exit From WHO Amid Hantavirus Outbreak
Posted on 05/12/26 at 10:06
- Trump defends withdrawal from World Health Organization
- Hantavirus passengers repatriated
- Officials say public risk remains low
The United States’ decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) returned to the center of public debate Monday after a hantavirus outbreak aboard an international cruise ship forced the urgent repatriation of American passengers from the Canary Islands.
Amid growing health concerns, President Donald Trump made clear that he has no intention of reconsidering his position toward the international organization.
Trump responds bluntly: “No, I’m glad”
During a press conference inside the Oval Office, Trump was asked whether the current situation — marked by the health emergency linked to the MV Hondius — had caused him to reconsider the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO. The president responded directly:
“No, I’m glad.”
The statement comes as federal authorities monitor dozens of passengers transferred from Spain after multiple hantavirus cases were detected aboard the vessel, which has already been linked to several deaths during the voyage.
The hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship triggered health alarms
The MV Hondius, carrying 147 passengers and crew members, arrived in the Canary Islands after an expedition that began in Ushuaia. During the journey across several Atlantic islands, cases of hantavirus began appearing, eventually resulting in three deaths.
As part of emergency measures, 18 people were repatriated to US territory: 17 American citizens and one British resident living in the United States.
US health authorities stated that the group was transported from the Canary Islands to Nebraska aboard a State Department aircraft equipped with specialized medical capabilities.
“Over the coming days, the passengers will undergo an initial health assessment and receive guidance on next steps from experts,” explained John Knox of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Authorities say public risk of the hantavirus outbreak remains “very low”
Although the situation has generated international concern, public health officials continue insisting that the risk of widespread transmission remains limited.
“The Andes strain of this virus does not spread easily and requires prolonged close contact with someone already showing symptoms. Even so, we have taken this situation very seriously from the very beginning,” stated Brian Christine.
According to authorities, one of the repatriated passengers tested positive for the virus while another showed mild symptoms. Both individuals were sent to Atlanta for specialized treatment and additional medical evaluation.
Meanwhile, the remaining 16 passengers are being housed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, described as the country’s only federally funded quarantine center.
Nebraska becomes center of quarantine and medical surveillance operations
Authorities explained that 15 passengers remain in the National Quarantine Unit at the medical center, while the confirmed positive patient was isolated in the biocontainment unit.
A team of volunteer doctors and nurses is monitoring passengers around the clock, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Everyone here is asymptomatic and currently does not have a fever,” said Dr. Michael Wadman.
Officials also stated that the isolated individuals appeared “in good condition and in good spirits,” although visibly exhausted by the lengthy transfer and ongoing health situation.
Trump maintains criticism of WHO despite hantavirus outbreak
Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over the relationship between the United States and international health organizations, particularly during moments of epidemiological crisis.
Although the hantavirus outbreak required federal resources, quarantine activation, and international repatriation coordination, the president insisted that leaving the WHO had been the correct decision.
The situation remains under close monitoring by US health authorities while experts continue evaluating possible additional risks connected to the outbreak that emerged during the MV Hondius voyage.
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SOURCE: EFE
