WHO Urges Calm as Tenerife Prepares for Hantavirus-Infected Cruise Passengers
TENERIFE, Spain – The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) called on residents of Tenerife, a Spanish island, to remain calm as preparations are made to welcome passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has reported hantavirus infections. This announcement comes after three deaths were linked to the ship, raising concerns among locals.
Local Outcry as Protesters Take to the Streets
Residents have voiced their discontent in recent days, gathering to protest against the ship’s arrival in the Canary Islands. The Spanish government denied docking permission for the vessel, which contradicts local leaders’ earlier approvals. Tourism-dependent locals fear that even a well-managed disembarkation could tarnish the region’s image and adversely affect its economy.
Ongoing Protests Against the Ship’s Arrival
Demonstrations continued into the weekend, with chants of “yes to tourism, no to the virus” filling the streets, reflecting the community’s anxiety about the situation.
Update on Hantavirus Cases Aboard the MV Hondius
According to a recent WHO update, eight cases of hantavirus have been reported on the cruise ship, attributed to the ongoing outbreak. The deaths have cast a shadow over the ship’s upcoming landing.
WHO Director-General Addresses Community Concerns
On Saturday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reassured residents that the anticipated operations pose minimal risk to public health. He acknowledged the seriousness of the virus but emphasized that the risk to daily life in Tenerife remains low, based on the WHO’s assessment.
Repatriation Plans and Health Safety Measures
Tedros explained that the WHO’s request for Spain to accommodate the cruise ship is grounded in a “legally binding framework,” noting that around 150 passengers and crew members from 23 countries have been at sea. Most will be disembarked in small boats at Granadilla port and directly transported to repatriation flights in sealed vehicles. He assured locals that they would not interact with the disembarked individuals.
Health Protocols and Monitoring Procedures in Place
Spanish Health Minister Monica García stated that Spanish nationals would be prioritized for disembarkation, insisting that all passengers will wear FFP2 masks. WHO epidemiologist Dr. Maria van Kerkhove confirmed that health checks are ongoing aboard the ship, with symptomatic individuals being transferred to the Netherlands for treatment. Asymptomatic passengers will return to their home countries as soon as feasible. With no reported symptoms at present, authorities are actively tracing potential contacts to prevent further spread.
International Response and Continued Vigilance
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlasca noted that several countries, including the United States and various European nations, are arranging flights to repatriate their citizens. The 30 crew members will remain on board until necessary disinfection protocols can be completed, alongside the body of one of the deceased passengers. U.S. CDC officials are closely monitoring the situation, with plans for 17 American passengers to be taken to Nebraska for further observation, though they will not be quarantined. Health officials reiterated that the risk to routine travel remains extremely low.
