Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Leads to Passenger Evacuations in Tenerife

The MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, arrived off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, early Sunday, initiating the evacuation of passengers following a hantavirus outbreak that resulted in three deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed six cases of hantavirus and two suspected cases among those on board.

Evacuation procedures commenced with Spanish nationals, who were transported to Madrid for quarantine and observation at a military hospital. Subsequent repatriation flights are planned for passengers from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Greece, Turkey, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Passengers are being evacuated under strict biosecurity protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment, and will undergo quarantine or daily health checks in their home countries.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the risk to the public is low, stating,

"This is not COVID. In COVID, we've all been traumatized by how people you didn't even think were sick were already spreading it, [but] we have no reason to believe that that's happening here."

The outbreak is linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, the only known variant capable of human-to-human transmission, though such cases are rare and typically require close contact. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent excretions.

The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, with approximately 150 passengers and crew. The first death occurred on April 11, with subsequent fatalities and confirmed cases leading to the current evacuation efforts.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent further transmission and to provide appropriate care for those affected.