WHO chief: Hantavirus risk to Tenerife public remains low

“This is not another Covid,” says WHO

In an open letter, Tedros stressed that the situation should not be compared to the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that the current risk to people on the island remains low and manageable.

Cruise ship hit by rare outbreak off Canary Islands

The Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius is expected to arrive off Tenerife, where around 150 passengers are due to be evacuated after an outbreak of a rare hantavirus infection. Three passengers have died and several others have fallen ill.

Spain leads coordinated evacuation plan

Regional authorities have refused to allow the ship to dock, opting instead to keep it offshore while passengers are screened and evacuated under strict medical protocols. Tedros said Spain has put in place a controlled, step-by-step evacuation plan to prevent any contact with the public.

WHO confirms no symptomatic passengers on board

Tedros said a WHO expert on board reported no current symptomatic cases among passengers and confirmed that medical supplies are available. He added that the evacuation will be conducted through sealed transport routes away from residential areas to ensure public safety.