Tenerife and Hantavirus: An Island’s stand of solidarity

The echoes of 2020 still resonate deeply, and when news broke of a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius approaching Tenerife’s shores, a familiar wave of anxiety swept across the island.

Memories of past global health crises loomed large, threatening to overshadow the present.

Yet, amidst the apprehension, a powerful message of reassurance and solidarity emerged directly from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In an unprecedented direct address to the people of Tenerife, Dr. Ghebreyesus unequivocally stated: “This is not another COVID.”

He clarified that while the Andes
strain of hantavirus on board was serious, with three lives tragically lost, the public health risk to Tenerife remained low.

Spanish authorities, in close collaboration with the WHO, swiftly implemented a meticulous plan to safeguard the community.
Passengers from the MV Hondius were to be disembarked at the industrial port of Granadilla, far from residential areas, transported in sealed, guarded vehicles through a cordoned-off corridor, and repatriated directly to their home countries.

The promise was clear: no contact with the local population. Beyond scientific protocols, WHO DG lauded Spain’s decision to welcome the ship as an “act of solidarity and a moral obligation.”

He underscored that Tenerife was chosen not arbitrarily, but because it possessed the necessary medical capacity, infrastructure, and, crucially, the humanity to assist nearly 150 individuals from 23 nations who had endured weeks at sea, some in mourning, all in fear.
This decision, he noted, was in full compliance with International Health Regulations, identifying the nearest port capable of ensuring the safety and dignity of those on board.

In a profound gesture of commitment, Dr. Tedros announced his personal intention to travel to Tenerife.

He would stand alongside the healthcare workers, port staff, and civil servants, bearing witness to the island’s dignified, compassionate, and solidary response.
His presence would be a personal tribute to an island demonstrating that “viruses don’t understand politics and don’t respect borders. The best immunity we have is solidarity.”

The captain of the MV Hondius, Jan Dobrogowski, his crew, and the operating company were also commended for their exemplary cooperation.

On behalf of the WHO and the affected passengers, Ghebreyesus extended heartfelt gratitude to the people of the Tenerife and all involved, urging them to trust in the preparations and to care for themselves and each other, knowing the WHO stood with them every step of the way.