Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 10: The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition ship MV Hondius does not pose a threat comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic, assuring the public that the overall global health risk remains low.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed growing concerns surrounding the outbreak on Saturday, acknowledging public anxiety while stressing that the situation is being carefully managed.

“I understand why people are concerned after the experience of 2020, but this is not another COVID pandemic,” he said in a public message. “The current public health risk from hantavirus remains low, and WHO experts continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius involves the Andes strain of hantavirus. Health authorities have confirmed eight infections so far, including three deaths connected to the virus.

Dr Tedros described the incident as serious and expressed condolences to the families of those who died. However, he noted that there are currently no symptomatic passengers remaining on the vessel.

A WHO specialist has been deployed onboard the ship, and adequate medical resources have been arranged to support passengers and crew members.

Spanish authorities have meanwhile prepared a detailed containment and evacuation strategy for the ship’s arrival. According to WHO, passengers will be transported ashore through a strictly controlled process at the industrial port of Granadilla in Tenerife, away from residential zones.

Officials said passengers will travel in sealed and monitored vehicles through secured corridors before being repatriated directly to their respective countries.

Dr Tedros thanked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for allowing the vessel to dock, calling Spain’s response “an act of solidarity and humanitarian responsibility.”

He also stressed that WHO’s request to Spain was made in accordance with established International Health Regulations and international emergency health protocols.

The MV Hondius has reportedly remained at sea for several weeks carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew members from 23 countries, many of whom are said to be under emotional stress and eager to return home safely.

WHO officials stated that Tenerife was selected because of its advanced medical infrastructure and ability to safely manage the evacuation process.

The organisation also praised the cooperation of the ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, crew members, and the vessel’s operating company for their handling of the crisis.

WHO reiterated that it currently considers the risk posed to the wider global population to be low and confirmed that international health authorities will continue monitoring developments surrounding the outbreak.