Spain Prepares for Unprecedented Operation to Handle Hantavirus on MV Hondius

Spain's Response to Hantavirus on MV Hondius

Spanish authorities are organizing an extraordinary operation to manage the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has reported hantavirus cases, as it approaches Tenerife this weekend. The Dutch-registered ship is anticipated to reach the Canary Islands around midday on Sunday, May 10, and will anchor at Granadilla port without docking, as confirmed by officials on Friday.

Strict Health Protocols in Place

All 149 individuals aboard, including passengers and crew from 23 different nations, will undergo medical evaluations while remaining on the vessel. There will be no interaction with the local community.

• Spanish nationals (14 individuals) will be sent to a military hospital in Madrid for quarantine.
• Foreign passengers not in need of immediate medical attention will be taken directly to waiting flights for repatriation, regardless of any symptoms.
• Countries like the UK and US are preparing to dispatch aircraft to Tenerife.

Health Minister Mónica García emphasized that this operation represents a significant international collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). She stated, “This is an unprecedented operation in response to an international health alert involving 23 countries,” during an interview with state radio RNE.

Local Opposition to the Operation

The decision to bring the ship to the Canary Islands has faced strong resistance from local officials. Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Canary Islands, initially opposed the plan, arguing that Spain had no legal obligation to accept the ship and suggesting that it should have been managed in Cape Verde, which denied the vessel docking rights. Clavijo assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to protect residents, stating, “We know with certainty that no one will get off the ship if their plane is not already waiting on the runway.” The Granadilla de Abona town council also raised concerns regarding the lack of prior consultation.

WHO Assesses Public Risk

The WHO reiterated on Friday that the risk to the general public remains low, as the Andes strain of hantavirus is transmitted only through very close, prolonged contact. To date, three passengers have died, and at least eight confirmed or suspected cases are linked to the ship. The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and has been at sea since being denied entry in Cape Verde. Health authorities globally are continuing contact tracing for passengers who disembarked earlier in the journey. The MV Hondius is expected to remain anchored off Tenerife for a brief period while medical evaluations and repatriations are conducted.