New Delhi, May 9 (IANS). The World Health Organization (WHO) assured on Saturday that the world does not need to panic about Hanta virus. This is not like the second Covid epidemic.
WHO Secretary General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised people on social platforms not to panic. He released a message saying, “I know you’re upset.”
He wrote, “The pain of 2020 still hasn’t subsided, and I don’t forget it even for a moment. But I want you to believe me that this is not another Covid. Hantavirus poses a low public health threat. My colleagues and I have said this clearly, and I will repeat it.”
The Andes strain of Hantavirus is present on board the MV Hondius. So far, a total of eight cases of Hanta virus have been reported, out of which three people have died due to the infection. The WHO Chief said, “This is serious. Three people lost their lives, our thoughts are with their families. At present, no new cases have been reported on the ship. A WHO expert is on the ship. All kinds of medical facilities are available.”
Spanish authorities have drawn up a careful, step-by-step plan: passengers will be disembarked at the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas, in secure vehicles, through a completely enclosed corridor, and flown straight back to their country.
Gebreyes said in his message, “I personally expressed my gratitude to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for his decision to anchor the ship in his country. I consider it an example of solidarity and moral duty. I want you to know that WHO did not make a request to Spain for nothing. This decision was taken in full accordance with international health regulators.”
About 150 people from 23 countries have been at sea for weeks, some of them unhappy and all of them scared. Everyone is longing to go home.
“Tenerife was chosen because it has the medical capacity (essential health services), infrastructure and humanity capable of keeping people safe,” he added.
The ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, the crew and the cruise company showed positivity and got along well during these difficult times.
He added, “On behalf of the World Health Organization, and on behalf of those passengers and their families around the world, I thank the people of Tenerife and everyone involved.”
–IANS
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