WHO Chief Urges Calm Over Hantavirus on Ship Bound for Spain

Spain. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urged local citizens not to panic regarding the ship affected by 'Hantavirus' heading towards Spain's Canary Islands. He clarified that the current situation is 'not like another Corona pandemic' and stated that the public health risk is currently low.

The ship named 'MV Hondius', flying the flag of the Netherlands, carries more than 140 passengers and crew members. The ship is expected to arrive at Tenerife Island, part of Spain's Canary Islands, near the coast of West Africa on Sunday morning.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros, Spain's Health Minister Monica Garcia, and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are preparing to travel to Tenerife on Saturday to coordinate the safe disembarkation of passengers and crew.

Addressing local residents, Tedros said it is natural for people to be concerned as the pain of the past Corona pandemic is still fresh. However, he emphasized that the current Hantavirus situation is not like the Corona pandemic and the risk is under control.

According to the World Health Organization, Spanish authorities, and the ship operating company, none of the people on board currently show symptoms of the virus. Relevant bodies are continuously monitoring the health status of the passengers.

Hantavirus is a virus that is often transmitted by rodents and other rodents. Its infection can cause fever, fatigue, respiratory problems, and other serious health problems. However, experts have stated that the current situation is controllable.