WHO Provides Information on Symptoms and Risks of New Virus ‘Hantavirus’

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has announced that hantavirus is not a new COVID-19.

On his social media page, the WHO leader addressed the residents of Tenerife, commenting on the strain of Andes hantavirus found on the MV Hondius ship. He emphasized that despite the seriousness of the situation, the current threat to public health is assessed as low.

Ghebreyesus noted that although the term “pandemic” awakens memories of the 2020 outbreak, this is not a new coronavirus. According to the WHO director, an informed assessment conducted by the organization shows that the risks to the normal life of Tenerife residents are low. Currently, there are no individuals on the ship exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

“WHO experts are working on the ship, equipped with medical supplies, and the Spanish authorities have developed a phased plan for the safe evacuation of passengers. According to the plan, passengers will be transported to the Granadilla industrial port, which is located away from residential areas, after which they will be sent directly to their countries through closed and controlled transport along a fully monitored route,” he reported.

The Director-General assured that no contact is planned between residents and passengers.