Hantavirus: Cruise ship Hondius arrived in Tenerife - Passenger evacuation this morning

Tenerife has become the focal point for managing a delicate public health situation as the cruise ship MV Hondius arrived early this morning near the port of Grancadilla. The vessel, carrying passengers who, according to reports, have not shown any symptoms of infection, is docked to allow for the disembarkation of those on board. This operation is being coordinated with Spanish health authorities, who will conduct initial assessments before passengers are transported to the island's main airport for their onward journeys home.

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The ship is set to dock so that passengers and some crew members can disembark.

The intervention in Tenerife was prompted by a request from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union, following the detection of a hantavirus outbreak. The MV Hondius had departed from the Cape Verde islands on Wednesday. Spanish officials have outlined a clear procedure: Spanish nationals will be the first to disembark, followed by passengers of other nationalities in groups. This organized approach aims to manage the situation efficiently and safely.

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All passengers on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius are considered high-risk contacts as a precaution.

Notably, 30 crew members will remain on board the MV Hondius, which will then proceed to the Netherlands for disinfection. The WHO has confirmed eight cases of the virus, including three fatalities – an elderly Dutch couple and a German woman. While the virus is typically spread by rodents, human-to-human transmission is rare but possible. The WHO assesses the risk to the general population as low, but moderate for the ship's passengers and crew.

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The WHO announced on Friday that eight people fell ill, including three who lost their lives – a Dutch couple and a German woman.

The arrival of the ship and the subsequent passenger evacuation underscore the collaborative efforts between international health organizations and national authorities in addressing potential health crises at sea. The presence of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Tenerife, alongside Spanish ministers, highlights the seriousness with which this situation is being handled, ensuring a coordinated response to protect public health.

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Hantavirus is usually transmitted by rodents, but in rare cases, human-to-human transmission can occur.