The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that “the job is not finished” despite the completion of the large-scale evacuation operation of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was hit by a hantavirus outbreak that caused several deaths and triggered an international health response.

Speaking at a press briefing in Granadilla de Abona, on the island of Tenerife, the WHO chief sought to reassure passengers while urging continued vigilance. “You are now in good hands,” he said, while emphasizing the need to maintain epidemiological monitoring.

According to health authorities, the outbreak detected onboard resulted in three deaths and several confirmed cases, some of which required urgent medical care during the evacuation. A French passenger is reportedly in critical condition.

The WHO, which is coordinating the international response, stressed that the virus does not pose a risk of widespread transmission. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisted: “The risk is low, this is not another Covid,” while urging the public to “trust science” and comply with health measures.

In total, 125 passengers and crew members from 23 countries were evacuated as part of a complex operation involving several medical aircraft and reinforced protection protocols.

The final repatriation flights transported evacuees to various European and Commonwealth countries, while disinfection operations aboard the ship and at the port of Granadilla Port began immediately after its departure.

Spanish authorities also indicated that several Spanish nationals remain in quarantine at Gómez Ulla Hospital for medical monitoring and testing.