WHO Director-General arrives in Spain to oversee safe disembarkation of cruise ship passengers affected by hantavirus outbreak

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Spain to oversee the safe disembarkation of passengers, crew, and health experts from the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondioos near Tenerife, Canary Islands, following a hantavirus outbreak aboard. The WHO epidemiologist stationed on the vessel, Dr. Freddy Banza Motoka, reported that no additional passengers or crew are currently displaying hantavirus symptoms. The WHO is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating support, and will keep member states and the public informed of developments. Officials have assessed that current risks to Canary Islands residents and the global population remain low.