The cruise ship MV Hondius, linked to a hantavirus outbreak, arrived at Tenerife's Granadilla Port on Sunday, May 10, 2026, prompting coordinated health measures. Spanish and international health authorities are managing the evacuation of passengers and crew following the ship's departure from Cape Verde.
Arrival and Evacuation Protocol
Upon arrival at the Port of Granadilla, the focus is on the safe evacuation of all individuals aboard the MV Hondius. Spanish officials confirmed the following procedures:
- Health Screening: All passengers are considered high-risk contacts as a precaution and will undergo mandatory testing by Spanish health authorities to confirm they remain asymptomatic.
- Disembarkation: Passengers will be transported ashore via small boats to the island's main airport, located approximately ten minutes away.
- Departure: From the airport, passengers will board planes destined for their respective countries.
Crew and National Protocols
The evacuation process is structured by nationality and role:
- Spanish Nationals: Spanish citizens are scheduled to disembark first.
- Other Passengers: Passengers of other nationalities will follow in subsequent groups.
- Crew Remaining Onboard: Thirty crew members will remain on the vessel to facilitate its disinfection before sailing to the Netherlands.
Background of the Outbreak
The MV Hondius departed from the coast of Cape Verde after the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union requested assistance to manage the situation following the detection of the hantavirus outbreak.
- WHO Coordination: WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Tenerife on Saturday evening to coordinate the arrival with Spanish health and interior ministers.
- Confirmed Cases: WHO reported that eight individuals had fallen ill, including three fatalities (a Dutch couple and a German national). Of these, six cases were confirmed, with two others suspected.
Health Risk Assessment
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through rodents but can, in rare instances, spread person-to-person. Health organizations provided the following risk assessments:
- Global Risk: The WHO stated that the risk to the wider global population is low.
- Shipboard Risk: However, the risk posed to the passengers and crew on the MV Hondius was assessed as moderate.
