WHO Chief Addresses Hantavirus Concerns as Cruise Ship Arrives in Spain

The WHO Director General visited Spain to address concerns regarding the hantavirus as the cruise ship MV Hondius arrives in Tenerife. He reassured residents that the health risk remains low and outlined the disembarkation procedures for passengers. Despite these reassurances, local residents expressed anxiety about the potential spread of the virus. The situation is being closely monitored by health authorities, with strict measures in place to ensure safety during the disembarkation process.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 05:15 IST

WHO Director General's Visit to Spain

On Saturday, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) arrived in Spain to oversee the docking of the cruise ship MV Hondius. He aimed to reassure the residents of Tenerife, a Spanish island, by stating, "Do not panic. This is not another COVID situation." Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the current risk posed by hantavirus is minimal, reiterating this message to the local community.

Details About the MV Hondius

The Ship and Its Passengers

The MV Hondius, registered under the Dutch flag, is carrying over 140 individuals and is en route to the Canary Islands, located off the West African coast. It is anticipated to arrive in Tenerife early Sunday morning, with disembarkation planned for around 8 a.m.

Tedros confirmed that he has been in communication with the ship's captain and a WHO representative on board, both of whom reported that no passengers or crew members are currently exhibiting symptoms of hantavirus.

Community Concerns

Residents Are Nervous

Despite the reassurances, some residents of Tenerife are apprehensive about the potential spread of the virus once passengers disembark. Spanish passengers aboard the ship are also anxious about how they will be received upon arrival. Tedros addressed these concerns, acknowledging the lingering trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stated, "I understand your worries. The term 'outbreak' can evoke memories that many of us have not fully processed. The pain from 2020 is still fresh, and I acknowledge that completely."

Disembarkation Procedures

How the Disembarkation Will Work

Spanish Health Minister Mónica Garcia outlined the disembarkation strategy during a press briefing in Madrid, emphasizing that all necessary precautions are being implemented. The ship will not dock at the port but will remain anchored offshore. Passengers will undergo health checks for symptoms before being allowed to leave the vessel. Importantly, no one will disembark until a flight is ready at Tenerife's airport to transport them directly off the island. The passengers represent over 20 different nationalities.

According to Maria Van Kerkove, director of WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, the goal is to complete all evacuation flights by Sunday and Monday.

Understanding the Hantavirus Situation

What We Know About the Outbreak

Since the hantavirus outbreak began, three fatalities have been reported, and five passengers who disembarked before the ship was flagged have tested positive for the virus. Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily spread between humans. However, the specific strain identified on the MV Hondius, known as the Andes virus, may have rare instances of person-to-person transmission. Symptoms can manifest anywhere from one to eight weeks post-exposure. Both WHO and Spanish health authorities, along with the cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that no one currently on board is showing symptoms.