WHO Director-General Addresses Tenerife Residents: Hantavirus Risk Remains Low, Solidarity Is Key

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken the unusual step of writing directly to the people of Tenerife, Spain, to address concerns about a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, emphasized that while the situation is serious, the risk to the general public on the island remains low, and he urged residents to trust the careful preparations in place.

In his personal message, Dr. Tedros acknowledged the fear and anxiety that the word “outbreak” can trigger, especially given the painful memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he stressed that this is not another COVID-19 event. The current public health risk from hantavirus is low, according to the WHO’s assessment, which was made after careful evaluation of all available data.

What Is Hantavirus and Why Should You Care?

Hantavirus is a family of viruses that can cause serious illness in humans. The specific strain involved in this case is the Andes hantavirus, which is known to occur in South America. It is not airborne in the same way as the virus that causes COVID-19. Instead, hantavirus is typically spread through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, or through direct contact with an infected person in very rare cases.

The Andes strain is unusual because it can sometimes spread from person to person, but this is still considered rare and usually requires close, prolonged contact. Symptoms of hantavirus infection can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to a dangerous lung condition called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which can be fatal. According to the WHO, three people have tragically died in this outbreak.

For the general public in Tenerife, the risk of catching hantavirus from the ship or its passengers is extremely low. The virus is not easily transmitted, and the authorities have put strict measures in place to prevent any contact between passengers and the local community.

Why Is the Ship Being Docked in Tenerife?

Dr. Tedros explained that the decision to dock the MV Hondius in Tenerife was not made lightly. It was based on the International Health Regulations (IHR), a legally binding agreement between countries and the WHO. These rules state that when a public health event occurs at sea, the nearest port with adequate medical resources must be identified to ensure the safety and dignity of those on board.

Tenerife was chosen because it has the medical capacity, infrastructure, and the humanity to handle this situation. Nearly 150 people from 23 different countries have been aboard the ship for weeks. Some are grieving the loss of loved ones, and all are frightened and eager to return home. Dr. Tedros personally thanked Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, for agreeing to receive the ship, calling it an act of solidarity and moral duty.

How Will the Passengers Be Moved Safely?

The Spanish authorities have developed a detailed, step-by-step plan to move passengers from the ship to their home countries without any risk to the local population. Here’s what that plan involves:

– The ship will dock at the industrial port of Granadilla, which is far from residential areas.

• Passengers will be transported in sealed, guarded vehicles.
• They will travel through a completely cordoned-off corridor that is closed to the public.
• From there, they will be repatriated directly to their home countries.

At this time, there are no symptomatic passengers on board the ship. A WHO expert is already on the vessel, and medical supplies are in place. Dr. Tedros emphasized that residents will not encounter the passengers, nor will their families.

What Do Experts Say About Hantavirus?

Medical experts agree that hantavirus is a serious disease, but it is not a pandemic threat. Unlike COVID-19, it does not spread easily through the air or through casual contact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO both note that person-to-person transmission of hantavirus is extremely rare, and when it does occur, it usually requires close, sustained contact with an infected person.

The best way to protect yourself from hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. For the general public in Tenerife, the risk of exposure is virtually nonexistent, as the passengers are being kept in strict isolation and will be moved directly out of the area.

The WHO Director-General’s Personal Commitment

Dr. Tedros made it clear that he is not just speaking from a distance. He announced that he intends to travel to Tenerife to observe the operation firsthand. He wants to stand alongside the health workers, port staff, and local officials who are making the safe transfer possible. He also wants to personally pay his respects to the island and its people for responding to a difficult situation with grace, solidarity, and compassion.

“Your humanity deserves to be witnessed, not just acknowledged from a distance,” he wrote.

Practical Takeaways for Tenerife Residents

If you live in Tenerife, here is what you need to know:

– The risk to you is low. The WHO has assessed the situation and concluded that the public health risk from hantavirus remains low for the general population.

• You will not encounter the passengers. They are being moved through a sealed, guarded corridor directly to transport that will take them out of the country.
• Trust the preparations. Spanish authorities, with support from the WHO, have put a careful plan in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
• Stay informed but not alarmed. Follow updates from reliable sources like the WHO, the Spanish Ministry of Health, and local health authorities.
• Practice general hygiene. While hantavirus is not a concern for the public, it is always a good idea to wash your hands regularly and avoid contact with wild rodents and their droppings.

A Message of Solidarity

Dr. Tedros closed his message by reminding everyone that viruses do not care about politics or borders. The best defense any community has is solidarity. He praised the ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, and the crew for their collaboration during this challenging time. He also thanked the people of Tenerife and everyone involved in the response.

“Please take care of yourselves and of each other,” he said. “Trust in the preparations that have been made. And know that the WHO stands with you, and with every person on that ship, every step of the way.”

For now, the focus remains on safely repatriating the passengers and ensuring that the outbreak is contained. The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. For the people of Tenerife, life can go on as normal, with the reassurance that experts are handling the situation with the utmost care and professionalism.

Source: World Health Organization