Countries are mobilizing to evacuate their citizens from the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, which is set to anchor near Tenerife following an outbreak of a deadly hantavirus. Health officials have reported a low risk of the virus spreading. The World Health Organization (WHO) has instructed member states with passengers on board to actively monitor them for 42 days after exposure. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has emphasized that this situation differs significantly from the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterating that the current health risk is low.
As the cruise ship arrives, evacuations will be conducted at Granadilla’s industrial port to avoid residential areas. Passengers will be transported in sealed vehicles, ensuring no interaction with the local population. Of the eight individuals who fell ill, three have died, while six are confirmed to have contracted the virus. The outbreak initially emerged after the ship departed from Cape Verde.
European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, are sending aircraft to facilitate the evacuation, while the U.S. and U.K. are also organizing flights for their nationals. All passengers, including crew members, will be evacuated, though some crew will remain aboard. The Spanish government has detailed the evacuation order based on health guidelines, prioritizing Spanish citizens.
