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The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a statement urging the residents of Tenerife not to worry about the arrival of the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which has reported cases of hantavirus infection.

Low Risk of Outbreak

Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the transmission routes for hantavirus differ significantly from those of coronavirus. He assured the public that the risk of a hantavirus outbreak on the island is not high. Notably, no new hantavirus infections have been reported on the MV Hondius in recent days.

Controlled Disembarkation Planned

The MV Hondius was expected to arrive at Tenerife early on Sunday, May 10th. Passengers are scheduled to disembark once the sun rises. Dr. Ghebreyesus stated that passengers will be transferred directly to their home countries via controlled transport from the industrial port of Granadilla, an area located far from residential zones.

"You will not meet them, nor will their families meet them," Dr. Ghebreyesus added, aiming to alleviate public concern.

Hantavirus Cases on Board

As of May 4th, the WHO reported seven confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on the MV Hondius, with two confirmed and five suspected. By May 9th, three deaths had been reported: a Dutch couple and a German woman.

Following the initial fatalities, three individuals, including two crew members and one passenger, were taken ashore with suspected hantavirus infections. After the first death on board, 23 people disembarked and returned to their home countries ten days later. A quarantine was implemented on the ship in early May, and it was isolated off the coast of Cape Verde for over a week to prevent further spread of the infection.

Understanding Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses primarily transmitted by rodents. Humans typically contract the virus through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent excreta or through rodent bites. Hantavirus infections can affect the lungs and kidneys and can be fatal.