Hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius prompts evacuation after Tenerife docking
MV Hondius docks in Tenerife after suspected hantavirus outbreak; over 100 passengers and crew to be evacuated as WHO confirms six cases and three deaths.
The MV Hondius, where a suspected hantavirus outbreak was reported, arrived at Granadilla de Abona in Tenerife early Sunday, prompting an organised evacuation and a public-health response. Hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius is the central concern, with authorities and the World Health Organization mobilising to manage cases and limit further risk. Officials confirmed that the ship reached port at around 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) and that a portion of the crew will remain aboard while the vessel resumes its voyage to the Netherlands.
Ship docks at Granadilla de Abona port
The expedition vessel berthed at the small industrial port of Granadilla de Abona on Tenerife’s southern coast shortly after dawn. Local and national health teams had been alerted in advance and were waiting to coordinate passenger disembarkation and medical screening. A number of crew members will remain on board to prepare the ship for its onward journey, according to port sources.
WHO confirms six cases and three deaths
The World Health Organization has reported six confirmed hantavirus infections out of eight suspected cases linked to the vessel, with three fatalities among the confirmed patients. WHO officials emphasised the rarity of these infections and noted there is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus disease. The organisation also clarified that hantavirus behaves differently from respiratory viruses responsible for widespread pandemics and that transmission dynamics are not the same as those seen with COVID-19.
Evacuation of more than 100 passengers and crew
Evacuation operations were scheduled to begin shortly after the ship’s arrival, with authorities preparing to move more than 100 passengers and crew to onshore facilities for assessment and quarantine where appropriate. Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch operator of MV Hondius, announced that the disembarkation process would start about an hour after the ship entered port. Emergency teams have prioritised the transfer of symptomatic individuals for immediate medical care while conducting checks on those who remain asymptomatic.
Spanish health authorities coordinate testing and care
Spain’s health minister, Mónica García Gómez, stated that all arrangements were in place for the ship’s arrival and that public-health guarantees had been secured for the operation. One patient who had been transported to a hospital in Alicante later tested negative for hantavirus, authorities said, and further laboratory results are expected to clarify the status of remaining suspected cases. Local hospitals and public-health labs are working with national authorities to provide timely diagnostics and clinical support.
WHO and Spanish officials oversee response at port
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attended a press briefing at the Granadilla de Abona port, indicating the organisation would oversee aspects of the response. He affirmed that Spain was prepared to handle the incident and that international public-health protocols would guide the evacuation and follow-up measures. Health officials emphasised close coordination between local, national and international agencies to ensure patient safety and to manage public concern.
Cruise operator outlines next steps for vessel and passengers
Oceanwide Expeditions said part of the crew would remain on board the MV Hondius to ready the ship for its scheduled return to the Netherlands after public-health clearances. The company is cooperating with Spanish authorities and international health bodies to facilitate the safe transfer of passengers and to support medical investigations. Passengers affected by the disembarkation have been offered assistance and information on health monitoring and repatriation where needed.
Hantaviruses are typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva, and infections can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in some cases. Health experts advising the response have stressed the importance of targeted infection-control measures, rapid testing and clear communication to prevent undue alarm. Spanish authorities and WHO teams are continuing active surveillance and follow-up as laboratory results are finalised and as the evacuation and patient-care processes proceed.