RRI.CO.ID, Tenerife - The World Health Organization monitored hantavirus response preparations in Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday, May 10, 2026. WHO made the statement during a media briefing with Spanish government officials.

It responded to growing public concern following hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. The organization stressed the current situation is very different from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, assured residents that public risk remains low. He said Spanish authorities completed extensive preparations before evacuation operations started.

He explained hantavirus spreads differently and carries lower public transmission risks than coronavirus outbreaks. He also encouraged Tenerife residents to trust official information from health authorities.

Tedros highlighted the importance of keeping communities calm during health emergencies. He said solidarity becomes increasingly important during uncertain global situations.

“The risk to the population, to the local population, is low. One is because of the very nature of the disease itself. But second, the risk is low because the Spanish government has made all the preparations to prevent any problem,” he said.

In addition, Tedros also emphasized stronger cooperation between countries during outbreak responses involving international passengers and health authorities. He described solidarity as an important protection during difficult public health situations.

“I think we should also be strong believers of solidarity. Solidarity because that's our best immunity. It's only when we support each other that we can respond more effectively to virus or to outbreaks like this,” he added.

WHO continues coordinating with Spain and several countries during evacuation and passenger monitoring operations in Tenerife. The organization also urged communities to remain calm and avoid unnecessary fear regarding hantavirus developments.