Cruise Ship Hit by Hantavirus Outbreak Arrives in Spain for Evacuation

A cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak has reached Tenerife, Spain, with over 140 passengers and crew on board. Authorities are conducting a careful evacuation, ensuring health checks for all disembarking individuals. Tragically, three deaths have been reported, and several passengers tested positive for the virus. The World Health Organization is supervising the evacuation, which aims to be completed soon. Passengers will leave behind their luggage and only take essential items. The ship will proceed to the Netherlands for disinfection after the evacuation.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 14:05 IST

Cruise Ship Reaches Tenerife Amid Hantavirus Concerns

The cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak has docked near Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, carrying over 140 individuals, including passengers and crew. Authorities are working swiftly to ensure a safe evacuation of those on board, as reported by AP. Tragically, three individuals have lost their lives, and five passengers who previously disembarked tested positive for the virus. However, the World Health Organization (WHO), along with Spanish officials and the cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that no current passengers aboard the MV Hondius are exhibiting symptoms.

The vessel will remain anchored offshore while passengers from more than 20 different nationalities are transported to safety in small boats, all under stringent health protocols. Each individual leaving the ship will undergo health checks and will only be allowed to disembark once evacuation flights are confirmed.

WHO Involvement in Evacuation Process

WHO to Supervise Evacuation

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, along with Spain's health and interior ministers, will oversee the evacuation efforts. Officials have stated that those disembarking will not interact with the local population. The goal is to complete the evacuation flights by Sunday and Monday, as indicated by Maria Van Kerkhove, the director of WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, during a briefing on Saturday.

Hantavirus typically spreads through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between humans. However, the Andes virus identified in this outbreak may have rare human-to-human transmission. Symptoms can manifest between one to eight weeks after exposure.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom have arranged for planes to evacuate their citizens. American evacuees will be quarantined at a medical facility in Nebraska, while Spanish passengers will be taken to a medical center for quarantine. Oceanwide has reported 13 Spanish passengers and one crew member on board.

Evacuating passengers will leave their luggage behind and can only take a small bag with essentials, such as a cellphone, charger, and necessary documents. Some crew members, along with the body of a deceased passenger, will remain on the ship, which is set to continue to the Netherlands for disinfection, according to Spanish authorities.

(With agency inputs)