The leader of the World Health Organization (WHO) conveyed a direct message to residents of Tenerife on Saturday, assuring them that the hantavirus-affected cruise ship heading towards the Spanish island poses no threat. The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, carrying over 140 individuals, is en route to the Canary Islands off West Africa and was scheduled to reach Tenerife around 5:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, with passengers disembarking around 8 a.m.
WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, along with senior government officials, is overseeing the safe disembarkation of passengers and crew in Tenerife. He confirmed that there are no additional symptomatic hantavirus cases aboard the ship.
Several Tenerife residents expressed concerns about the ship docking due to fear of virus transmission. Spanish passengers onboard also voiced apprehension about their reception upon landing. Tedros emphasized that the hantavirus situation is different from COVID-19, with the current public health risk remaining low.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Evacuation plans are in place, with the U.S. and the U.K. arranging flights to repatriate their citizens. Spanish Health Minister Mónica Garcia assured that disembarkation would occur under strict safety measures, with passengers being checked for symptoms before boarding evacuation flights.
The Dutch government is coordinating with Spanish authorities for medical evacuation plans if needed. Home quarantine measures have been outlined for those without symptoms. Health authorities are tracking down passengers who disembarked before the outbreak was detected, ensuring proper monitoring and containment measures.
Canadian officials confirmed that six Canadians were on board the ship, with three returning to Canada and advised to self-isolate. Public health investigations are ongoing to trace potential contacts of confirmed cases. Dutch public health authorities have also conducted tests on individuals who may have been in contact with the virus.