Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Reaches Canary Islands

May 10, 2026

72 min

May 10, 2026 06:31

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship arrives in Spain's Canary Islands

## Arrival in Spain

The MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, arrived in Spain's Canary Islands after being hit by a hantavirus outbreak. The ship docked at Granadilla port, where passengers and some crew members are set to be evacuated and flown home.

## Impact of the Outbreak

Three passengers, including a Dutch couple and a German woman, have died from the virus, while others have fallen ill. The virus, typically spread by rodents, has raised international concern due to the confirmed presence of the Andes virus, which can transmit between humans.

## WHO and Local Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified everyone on board as high-risk contacts but assured the public that the risk to the general population remains low. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is overseeing the evacuation and has praised the preparedness of Spanish authorities.

## Evacuation Process

Evacuation is scheduled to occur between Sunday and Monday, with passengers being screened and transferred to aircraft. The ship will remain offshore during this process. Spanish authorities have implemented strict measures to prevent contact with the local population.

## Global Monitoring

Health officials in several countries are tracking passengers who disembarked earlier. A flight attendant who had contact with an infected passenger tested negative for the virus. Meanwhile, a woman in Spain is being tested after developing symptoms, and two Singapore residents who were on the ship have tested negative but remain in quarantine.

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