The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has sought to reassure residents of Tenerife ahead of the arrival of the cruise ship MV Hondius, where several hantavirus cases have been detected.
In a message addressed directly to people living in Tenerife, Tedros insisted that the current situation should not be compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that the public health risk remains low and confirmed that no passengers currently aboard the vessel are showing symptoms of the virus.
The MV Hondius is expected to arrive at the port of Granadilla, in the Canary Islands, early Sunday morning. The ship’s arrival has raised concerns among local residents following reports of infections and deaths linked to the outbreak.
So far, six confirmed hantavirus cases have been identified among passengers aboard the Dutch cruise vessel. One of the infected passengers was among three people who died during the voyage after the ship departed from South America.
Spanish authorities have attempted to calm fears by detailing strict health and containment measures that will be applied once the ship docks.
Hantavirus is generally transmitted through rodents, especially rats and mice. However, health experts say the Andes strain of the virus — believed to be linked to this outbreak — can in rare cases spread between humans.
Symptoms may include fever, severe fatigue, muscle pain, stomach problems, vomiting, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties.
Tedros acknowledged that many residents remain worried because of memories linked to the COVID-19 crisis, but he emphasized that the current outbreak is being closely monitored and remains under control.
According to the WHO, a medical expert, Dr Freddy Banza-Mutoka, is currently aboard the vessel alongside Dutch doctors. They are carrying out medical examinations and monitoring all passengers and crew members. The organization says no additional symptomatic cases have been identified at this stage.
The WHO chief has also travelled personally to Tenerife to observe the operation surrounding the ship’s arrival.
Spanish Health Minister Mónica García confirmed that passengers will remain onboard until repatriation flights are ready. Small transfer boats will be used to move passengers directly from the vessel to waiting aircraft.
Special flights have been organized to return passengers to countries including the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
Passengers leaving the ship will be required to wear FFP2 masks, while transport personnel and medical staff involved in the operation will also follow reinforced sanitary protocols.
Spanish authorities further announced that passengers will only be allowed to carry a limited number of essential personal belongings during the transfer process.
The handling of the victims who died during the voyage has also been carefully organized. One body will remain onboard until the ship reaches the Netherlands, where disinfection procedures will be carried out before any formal removal.
Among the confirmed cases are two British nationals currently receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa. Another British passenger is being treated for a suspected infection on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha.
Health investigators are still working to determine the exact origin of the outbreak and whether additional infections may have occurred among passengers or crew members.
The WHO previously indicated that the first infected individuals had travelled through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay during a bird-watching expedition in areas known to host rodents carrying the virus.
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