Cruise ship linked to deadly hantavirus outbreak arrives in Tenerife

Ship reaches Tenerife after deadly outbreak

The Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius has arrived near the Port of Granadilla in Tenerife after a deadly hantavirus outbreak onboard left at least three people dead.

The vessel reached the Canary Islands early Sunday under the escort of a Civil Guard ship after departing from Cape Verde earlier in the week. International health authorities requested Spain to coordinate the evacuation and medical management of passengers following the outbreak.

According to health officials, at least eight people became ill during the voyage, with six confirmed hantavirus cases and two additional suspected infections.

Passenger evacuation and testing underway

Spanish authorities said all passengers will undergo medical testing upon arrival to ensure they remain free of symptoms before being transported to the airport for flights back to their home countries.

Passengers are expected to disembark in small groups using boats, while sealed buses will transport them to Tenerife’s main airport. Spanish nationals will leave first, followed by passengers from other countries.

Thirty crew members will remain onboard as the ship later sails to the Netherlands for full disinfection procedures.

Health officials stress low public risk

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus travelled to Tenerife to oversee coordination efforts and reassure residents that the situation remains under control.

Health experts stated that while all passengers are being treated as high-risk contacts, the risk to the general public in Tenerife and the Canary Islands remains low.

Hantavirus is commonly spread through contact with infected rodents, though rare person-to-person transmission has been documented.

Authorities in several countries are continuing to monitor passengers and possible contacts linked to the outbreak. Health investigations are ongoing in Spain, the Netherlands, Singapore and other regions connected to the ship’s route.