The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured residents of Tenerife that the risk from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, is low.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed concerns in an open letter, stating, 'This is not another Covid.'
The ship is expected to reach Tenerife at dawn, carrying about 150 people, including passengers who have fallen ill.
Three individuals—two from the Netherlands and one from Germany—have died due to the outbreak.
The Andes virus, the only strain that can transmit between humans, has been detected among those infected.
Regional authorities have opted to keep the ship offshore while passengers undergo screening and evacuation.
Tedros praised the community for their solidarity and thanked Spain for agreeing to receive the ship.
'I know you are worried... Memories surface that none of us have fully put to rest,' he stated.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, he emphasized that the public health risk to Tenerife residents remains low.
An expert onboard has confirmed that there are currently no symptomatic passengers.
Medical supplies are ready, and a detailed evacuation plan has been established.
Passengers will be transported ashore in sealed vehicles and will not have contact with the local population.
Tedros stated that the decision to dock in Spain was made under international health regulations, prioritizing safety.
He is traveling to Tenerife to oversee the operation and support health workers and local authorities.
'The WHO stands with you, and with every person on that ship, every step of the way,' he affirmed.