Nigeria, May 10 -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged residents of Tenerife to remain calm following concerns over a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship expected to undergo emergency operations on the Spanish island.

In a public message on Saturday, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the situation posed a low public health risk, stressing that it was not comparable to previous global outbreaks such as COVID-19.

Mr Ghebreyesus said he was addressing residents directly due to anxiety triggered by the approaching vessel, the MV Hondius, which had recorded confirmed infections during its voyage.

"I know you are worried. I know that when you hear the word "outbreak" and watch a ship sail toward your shores, memo...