India, May 10 -- The World Health Organization has sought to calm fears in Tenerife after a cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak approached the Canary Islands, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisting the situation is "not another COVID."

The cruise ship MV Hondius was rerouted to Tenerife after several passengers fell ill during its voyage from South America. According to WHO, eight confirmed and suspected cases of hantavirus have been identified so far, while three people have died.

Local residents in Tenerife have expressed concern over the arrival of the ship, with protests reported near the planned docking area as memories of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to linger.

Addressing the public directly, Tedros said th...