Hantavirus on MV Hondius: WHO chief reassures Tenerife as ship nears Canary Islands
World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on 10 May reassured residents of the Spanish island of Tenerife that the public health risk remained low as the cruise ship MV Hondius approached the Canary Islands following a hantavirus outbreak onboard. Three passengers have died and five others have been confirmed infected since the outbreak emerged after the vessel departed from Cape Verde.
Key Developments
The MV Hondius, carrying 147 people, was expected to arrive at the Canary Islands between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. local time on Sunday (0300–0500 GMT). In an open letter addressed to Canary Islands residents, Tedros sought to contain anxiety, stating plainly:
