Passengers Prepare to Disembark Ship at Center of Hantavirus Outbreak, as WHO Chief Says It’s ‘Not Another COVID’

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a statement reassuring the public regarding the current hantavirus outbreak connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that the overall public health risk from this virus remains low. As the cruise ship prepares to dock in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, the situation continues to unfold, sparking concerns among residents.

The MV Hondius is expected to arrive in Tenerife early on 10 May 2023, after being at the centre of the recent outbreak which has resulted in several suspected cases among its passengers. In an effort to alleviate fears among the local population, Ghebreyesus wrote directly to the residents of Tenerife, emphasising that the situation is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic that has recently affected the world.

In his message, Ghebreyesus acknowledged that the arrival of a vessel associated with any outbreak may evoke memories of the challenges faced during the pandemic. “I know that when you hear the word ‘outbreak’ and watch a ship sail toward your shores, memories surface that none of us have fully put to rest,” he stated, referring to the lingering anxiety from the COVID-19 crisis. However, he reinforced that “the current public health risk from hantavirus remains low,” urging residents to remain calm.

Joining Ghebreyesus upon the ship’s docking will be Spain’s Health Minister, Monica Garcia, and Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Together, they will oversee the disembarkation of passengers and crew. Reports indicate that there are over 140 individuals on board the MV Hondius, and the ship’s captain has confirmed that no further symptoms of hantavirus have been reported amongst those aboard.

Initial apprehensions regarding the ship’s docking were expressed by local authorities in the Canary Islands, who voiced concerns over the safety of its residents. Regional leader Fernando Clavijo stated earlier in the week, “This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety.”

Despite these worries, the Spanish national government supported the docking of the vessel, citing the need for adequate medical facilities for those aboard. Ghebreyesus personally thanked Spain’s Prime Minister for permitting the ship’s arrival at the nearest port that could ensure proper care.

According to updates from the WHO, there have been eight suspected cases of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship, with three cases confirmed via laboratory testing. Tragically, it has been reported that three passengers have died, believed to be a Dutch couple and a German national. One additional individual is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit in South Africa.

The strain of hantavirus associated with the outbreak is identified as the Andes hantavirus, which can be transmitted from person to person, as per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ongoing assessment by the WHO not only aims to keep the public informed but also seeks to reduce anxiety among the community.

As emergency workers prepare for the arrival of the cruise ship, temporary shelters are being established in anticipation of the passengers disembarking. The situation is being closely monitored by health authorities, ensuring that safety protocols are in place.

In these uncertain times, the outreach and transparency by the WHO and Spanish officials are crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring the well-being of both the travellers on board the MV Hondius and the residents of Tenerife.