The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a direct public message to residents of Tenerife, assuring them that the Hantavirus situation linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius does not pose a major public health threat.
In the statement, Tedros acknowledged growing fears among residents following reports that the vessel carrying passengers linked to the Andes strain of Hantavirus was heading toward the island. However, he stressed that the current public health risk remains low and is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the WHO chief, although three people aboard the ship have died, there are currently no symptomatic passengers on board. He noted that WHO experts and medical supplies have already been deployed to manage the situation.
Tedros explained that Spanish authorities had developed a strict containment and evacuation plan, under which passengers would be transported through a secured corridor from the industrial port of Granadilla and repatriated directly to their home countries without contact with the public.
He praised Spain’s decision to receive the ship, describing it as an act of solidarity and moral responsibility carried out in line with International Health Regulations guiding global responses to public health emergencies.
The WHO Director-General also announced plans to personally travel to Tenerife to observe the operation and show support for healthcare workers, port officials, and residents involved in the humanitarian effort.
Tedros commended the island’s response, as well as the cooperation of the ship’s captain, crew, and operators, while urging residents to remain calm and trust the health measures put in place.
He concluded by emphasizing that global solidarity remains one of the strongest tools in responding to infectious disease threats.
