The World Health Organisation director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke directly to residents of Tenerife on Wednesday to calm fears over a cruise ship carrying confirmed hantavirus cases heading to the Spanish island.
Ghebreyesus made the unusual move to address the public because anxiety had built up among locals about the arrival of the MV Hondius. The vessel had recorded confirmed infections of hantavirus during its voyage across the Atlantic.
He said the WHO assessed the overall risk to the public as low. The assurance came as health authorities prepared for the ship's arrival and the disembarkation of passengers and crew who had been exposed to the virus during the crossing.
Hantavirus is a rodent-borne pathogen that spreads through contact with infected animal droppings or urine. Cases at sea are rare, but confirmed infections aboard the vessel prompted swift action from health officials in Spain and international health bodies. Ghebreyesus did not detail how many cases had been recorded on the ship or provide specifics about the health status of those aboard.
The WHO said it was working with Spanish health authorities and port officials in Tenerife to manage the situation properly. Standard protocols for disease containment would be followed when the ship docked. Passengers and crew would undergo health screening, and any symptomatic individuals would receive immediate medical attention.
Tenerife, a major tourist destination in the Canary Islands, hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The arrival of a ship with confirmed hantavirus cases naturally sparked concern among residents and tourism operators worried about broader spread.
Ghebreyesus's direct communication reflected the WHO's effort to balance transparency with reassurance. He acknowledged the legitimate concern without overstating the danger. The agency has faced criticism in recent years over its pandemic response, making clear communication on health threats a priority.
Spanish health authorities said they had been monitoring the MV Hondius since cases were confirmed and had taken precautions throughout the vessel's journey. No new cases had emerged in the days before the ship's scheduled arrival, according to preliminary reports.
The vessel is expected to dock in Tenerife within days. Health officials will implement enhanced screening procedures at the port to identify any symptomatic passengers before they leave the facility.
