WHO Director-General Addresses Concerns Over Hantavirus Cruise Ship Near Tenerife
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has addressed concerns from residents of Tenerife, Spain, regarding the arrival of the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak. The ship, carrying over 140 passengers and crew, is expected to arrive near the Canary Islands. Despite fears among locals, WHO officials, along with Spain's Health Minister Monica Garcia, have assured that the public health risk remains low. The virus, primarily spread through rodent droppings, has resulted in three deaths and several infections. However, no current symptoms are reported among those on board. The WHO and Spanish authorities are coordinating the disembarkation under strict health protocols, with plans for medical checks and isolation for those disembarking. The U.S. and U.K. are preparing to evacuate their citizens, while the ship will eventually head to the Netherlands for disinfection. 
