WHO Director Shoots Down Alex Jones’ Claims Hantavirus Is ‘COVID 2.0’

BreakingBusinessWHO Director Shoots Down Alex Jones’ Claims Hantavirus Is ‘COVID 2.0’ByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorMay 15, 2026, 03:17pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ToplineWorld Health Organization Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday directly responded to far-right commentator and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ claims that the United Nations agency was manufacturing propaganda about the Hantavirus.The WHO director said no hantavirus deaths have been recorded since May 2.Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsGhebreyesus, directly addressing Jones’ claim that WHO has launched “COVID 2.0,” said in a post on X that there is no “rollout” or “hype” around the recent ship-based Hantavirus outbreak and added “there are only 10 confirmed cases globally, and no deaths have been recorded since May 2.”This is a developing story. Check back for updates.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video