LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has reassured residents of Tenerife that a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius does not pose a major public health threat ahead of the vessel’s arrival.
Speaking ahead of the ship’s scheduled arrival on Sunday, May 9, Tedros stressed that the situation should not be compared to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
“I know you are worried. But I need you to hear me clearly: this is not another Covid. The current public health risk from hantavirus remains low,” he said in a public message to residents.
Health officials confirmed six infections among passengers on board the vessel, including one of three passengers who died during the voyage from South America.
They previously linked the first infections to travellers who visited parts of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay where virus-carrying rodents are known to exist.
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WHO officials said no additional passengers are currently showing symptoms.
To assuage public fears, Tedros revealed that WHO expert Dr Freddy Banza-Mutoka is aboard the ship alongside two Dutch doctors to monitor passengers and assess possible exposure risks.
Hantavirus is commonly spread by rodents, although the Andes strain linked to this outbreak can also spread between humans in rare cases.
Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and breathing difficulties.
Spanish authorities have announced strict safety measures for the ship’s arrival at the Port of Granadilla on Sunday early morning.
Passengers will remain isolated during disembarkation before boarding repatriation flights to countries including the UK, the US, France, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland.
Meanwhile, Spanish Health Minister Mónica García said passengers and workers involved in transfers will wear FFP2 masks to reduce any possible risk of transmission.
FFP2 masks are European safety standard protective face masks that filter about 94 percent of airborne particles, including viruses.
They fit tightly around the nose and mouth, offering stronger protection than regular surgical masks.
“This lineup of precautions is designed to prevent contact with the local population,” officials explained during a press briefing.
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The outbreak has triggered anxiety among some residents, leading to protests and criticism from political groups in the Canary Islands.
Regional president Fernando Clavijo questioned why the operation could not have been completed in Cape Verde before the ship continued to Spain.
Tedros, however, praised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for allowing the ship to dock.
“Tenerife has been chosen because it has the medical capacity, the infrastructure and the humanity to help them reach safety,” he explained.
Maintaining strong precautions, Spanish authorities have outlined strict measures to prevent passengers from coming into contact with the local population.
Health Minister García said all passengers will wear the FFP2 masks during disembarkation, alongside transport workers, bus drivers, and logistics personnel involved in the operation.
She added that passengers will leave the ship based on their nationality, with Spanish citizens expected to disembark first.
“Those disembarking will only be allowed to take with them a small, sealed bag containing essential items such as their documentation, mobile phone, charger, basic necessities and personal belongings,” Garcia stated.
Ultimately, investigations into the source of the outbreak are still ongoing.
