Hantavirus Outbreak Distinct from COVID, Says WHO Chief Officially

WHO Director-General Addresses Hantavirus Outbreak in Tenerife

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a statement regarding the recent Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship docked in Tenerife, Canary Islands. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, the docking of the ship does not pose a risk of triggering a COVID-like pandemic.

Ghebreyesus made this statement during an address to residents of Tenerife, where the cruise ship is currently being held for further investigation and testing. The WHO has been working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide guidance on public health measures.

The Hantavirus outbreak has been confirmed in several individuals who were on board the cruise ship when it arrived in Tenerife. The virus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, and can cause severe respiratory illness in humans.

Ghebreyesus emphasized that the WHO’s primary concern is public health, and that measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the virus. However, he also noted that the docking of the cruise ship does not pose a significant risk of triggering a widespread outbreak similar to COVID-19.

The WHO has advised residents of Tenerife to take normal precautions to protect themselves from the virus, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding contact with infected individuals. The organization will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Source: Al Jazeera