WHO Chief to Oversee Hantavirus Evacuation in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Hantavirus Update: WHO Chief To Coordinate Ship Evacuation In Canary Islands
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The World Health Organization's chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will coordinate the evacuation of passengers from the MV Hondius in Tenerife, Canary Islands, following a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths. The ship, carrying around 150 people, is expected to arrive on Sunday as international concerns rise over the rare disease.
- 01WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will coordinate evacuation efforts in Tenerife.
- 02Three passengers have died from the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius.
- 03The Andes virus strain, which can transmit between humans, has been confirmed.
- 04Passengers will be repatriated via special flights after being transferred to shore.
- 05The general public risk from the outbreak remains low, according to WHO.
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), is set to arrive in Tenerife, Canary Islands, on Saturday to help coordinate the evacuation of passengers from the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship. This follows a hantavirus outbreak that has led to the deaths of three passengers, including a Dutch couple and a German woman. The ship, which is carrying around 150 individuals, is expected to arrive on Sunday, with plans for passengers to be repatriated to their home countries via special flights. The outbreak has raised international concerns as the Andes virus strain, which can be transmitted between people, has been confirmed among those infected. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the WHO has stated that the risk to the general public remains low, emphasizing that the virus is not highly contagious. As part of the response, two Dutch healthcare workers and a WHO representative are currently on board the ship to conduct risk assessments and provide assistance. Evacuation plans must be executed between Sunday and Monday due to anticipated adverse weather conditions.
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The evacuation and health measures being implemented are crucial for ensuring the safety of passengers and preventing further spread of the virus.
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