The leader of the World Health Organization has transmitted a reassuring message to inhabitants of the Spanish island where passengers from a cruise ship affected by hantavirus are anticipated to be evacuated.
The MV Hondius, flying the Dutch flag and carrying over 140 passengers and crew, is en route to Spain’s Canary Islands, situated off the coast of West Africa, and is projected to reach the island of Tenerife this morning.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, along with Spain’s Health Minister Monica Garcia and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, landed on the island on Saturday to organize the disembarkation of passengers and some crew members.
In a statement to the people of Tenerife, Tedros acknowledged their concerns but emphasized that the hantavirus situation is different from COVID-19, with the current public health risk remaining low. He reassured that no one on the Hondius is displaying symptoms of the virus, as confirmed by WHO, Spanish authorities, and Oceanwide Expeditions.
Hantavirus, which can lead to severe illness, typically spreads through inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and has limited human-to-human transmission. However, the Andes virus identified in the cruise ship incident may have rare person-to-person transmission capability, with symptoms appearing within one to eight weeks of exposure.
Since the outbreak, three fatalities have occurred, and five passengers who disembarked the ship have tested positive for hantavirus.
Some residents of Tenerife have expressed unease about the presence of the ship, citing worries about safety. Despite empathizing with the passengers, concerns linger among residents about the potential risks associated with the virus.
Passengers will be allowed to carry only essential belongings and will be isolated upon disembarkation, ensuring maximum safety. Evacuation flights are scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday, with the U.S. and the U.K. arranging planes for their citizens. Spanish nationals will undergo quarantine, while the ship will proceed to the Netherlands for disinfection after disembarking its passengers.
Authorities are working diligently to manage the situation, prioritizing safety and containment measures to prevent any further spread of the virus.