WHO Chief Calms Tenerife Over Hantavirus Risk

May 9, 2026

63 min

May 9, 2026 14:30

WHO chief says hantavirus ‘not another COVID’ as Tenerife risk remains low

## WHO Addresses Hantavirus Concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured residents of Tenerife that the risk from a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship is low. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that this situation is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Cruise Ship Situation

The MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, is set to arrive near Tenerife. The ship has experienced an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread between humans. Three passengers have died, and others have fallen ill. Despite this, WHO maintains that the public health risk remains minimal.

## Evacuation Plans

Tedros is traveling to Tenerife to oversee the evacuation of approximately 150 passengers. Spanish authorities have prepared a detailed plan to ensure the safe transfer of passengers to the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas. The passengers will be transported in secure vehicles and repatriated to their home countries.

## WHO's Assurance

The WHO has confirmed that no passengers currently show symptoms, and medical supplies are ready. Tedros praised the people of Tenerife for their solidarity and thanked Spain for accepting the ship under international health regulations. He assured residents that they would not come into contact with the passengers during the evacuation process.

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