WHO Says Tenerife Faces Low Risk From Cruise Ship Virus Outbreak

The head of the World Health Organization has reassured residents of Tenerife that the risk linked to the arrival of the virus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius remains low.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed that the hantavirus outbreak onboard the ship is “not another Covid” and urged residents not to panic as the vessel prepared to dock in the Canary Islands.

The cruise ship’s arrival sparked concern among locals after several passengers were infected during a voyage from South America.

Hantavirus Cases Confirmed on MV Hondius

Health officials confirmed six hantavirus cases connected to passengers traveling on the Dutch cruise ship.

Three Deaths Linked to Outbreak

Three passengers died during or shortly after the journey, including one confirmed hantavirus infection. Other infected travelers are currently receiving treatment in countries including the Netherlands and South Africa.

Experts believe the passengers may have contracted the Andes strain of hantavirus while visiting areas in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay during a bird-watching tour.

WHO Experts Monitoring Situation Onboard

The WHO confirmed that medical specialists are currently onboard the MV Hondius monitoring passengers and checking for additional symptoms.

No New Symptomatic Passengers Reported

According to health officials, no new symptomatic cases have been detected among passengers currently onboard the vessel.

Symptoms of hantavirus can include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Severe fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Shortness of breath

Health experts say the virus is commonly carried by rodents, although limited human-to-human transmission can occur with certain strains.

Spain Introduces Strict Safety Measures

Spanish authorities announced detailed safety procedures to prevent passengers from mixing with the local population.

Passengers to Leave Under Controlled Conditions

Officials said passengers will remain onboard until repatriation flights are ready. Travelers will disembark in stages while wearing FFP2 protective masks. Transport workers, bus drivers, and logistical staff involved in the operation will also use protective equipment during transfers. Passengers are reportedly only allowed to carry essential belongings in sealed bags during disembarkation.

Political Concerns Grow in Canary Islands

The arrival of the cruise ship has created political tension in the Canary Islands.

Regional Leaders Question Decision

Fernando Clavijo questioned why the final stage of the emergency response could not take place elsewhere before the ship reached Tenerife. The situation also led to protests and criticism from Spain’s far-right political party Vox. Despite concerns, Tedros praised the Spanish government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for accepting the ship and helping stranded passengers return home safely.

Authorities Continue Investigation

Health officials are still investigating the exact source of the outbreak and whether additional passengers or crew members may have been exposed during the voyage. The WHO continues to emphasize that the overall public health risk remains low while monitoring operations continue in Tenerife.

Source: BBC News Article