WHO assures that the risk of hantavirus in Tenerife is low and asks for solidarity with cruise passengers

Published at: 09/05/2026 09:21 PM

The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, has issued a direct message to the people of Tenerife to give peace of mind about the health situation of the ship MV Hondius. In a rare statement addressed to a specific community, he also emphasized that, although the situation is serious, it should not be compared to past health crises and called for calm from citizens.

“I need to be heard clearly: this is not another COVID-19. The current public health risk from hantavirus remains low,” said the director, clarifying that the WHO evaluation has not been done lightly. As he explained, the detected outbreak corresponds to the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has claimed the lives of three people on board, but the risk to daily life on the island is minimal.

To mitigate local fear, the Director of WHO explained that there are currently no passengers with symptoms and that an expert from the agency is already supervising the vessel. The disembarkation plan provides for total isolation of the Tenerife community through a safety protocol that avoids any exposure. “Passengers will be transported ashore in the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas, in sealed and guarded vehicles, through a completely cordoned off corridor,” he said.

Dr. Tedros defended the choice of Tenerife as a host port based on the International Health Regulations, describing Spain's decision as an act of moral duty. “Tenerife was chosen because it has the medical capacity, the infrastructure and I know the humanity necessary to help them get to a safe place,” said Dr. Tedros, who announced his intention to travel to the island to witness the operation and support the workers.

The WHO leader recalled that the best defense against health crises is global cooperation and mutual support between nations. “As I have said many times: viruses don't understand politics or respect borders. The best immunity we have is solidarity,” he concluded, deeply thanking the people of Tenerife for their dignity and compassion in the face of this emergency.

Mazo News Team