The head of the World Health Organization sought Saturday to reassure worried residents of the Spanish island of Tenerife that they are not in danger from the anticipated arrival there of a hantavirus

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

The cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak arrived off Tenerife, where Spanish health authorities plan to test and evacuate passengers to their home countries.

No quick dispatching of disease investigators. No news conference to inform the public. No timely health alerts to doctors.