The MV Hondius cruise ship with the hantavirus outbreak anchored this morning (May 10) at Puerto Granadilla (Tenerife) following Spanish Maritime Authority order. The 14 Spanish passengers are currently disembarking first, followed by the rest in stages towards Tenerife South Airport for repatriation.
WHO Data (May 8): 8 total cases reported, 6 lab-confirmed (Andes strain), 3 deaths (38% case fatality rate). Operation expected to extend until Monday. Netherlands repatriating 29 people to Eindhoven. France sending medical flight for 5 citizens.
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses transmitted by infected rodents through urine, feces, and saliva.
In Europe they cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), affecting kidneys. In the Americas, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
Only the Andes strain (detected in this outbreak) can spread person-to-person, but this is extremely rare.
Flu-like symptoms
⚠️ Rapid deterioration
🚨 CALL 112 IMMEDIATELY
⚠️ Note: Links lead to Spanish-language news sources covering this outbreak in Spain.
Spanish Maritime Authority ordered anchorage despite Canary Islands government opposition. External Health Service boarded at 7:30am. The 14 Spanish passengers will disembark first. Passengers descend via starboard in UME isolated vehicles to airport.
Netherlands also handles repatriation of Germans, Belgians, and Greeks. The 5 French citizens travel on a medical flight - 72h hospital quarantine + 45 days home isolation. Norwegian air ambulance activated via EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
One South African (now home after a week in Barcelona), one 32-year-old from Alicante (first PCR negative), and one 45-year-old Catalan under monitoring. All had been in contact with the Dutch passenger who died from hantavirus.
Health Minister Mónica García alongside Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska supervises operation in Tenerife with WHO Director Tedros. Dutch Ambassador to Spain also present: "everything is under control".
Official liveblogs with constant updates. Click to open in a new tab. Spanish-language sources.
Minute-by-minute coverage of the outbreak and ship arrival at Tenerife.
Local public TV coverage. Direct information from the affected territory.
Latest news with reactions, WHO data, and testimonies. Continuous updates.
External links. We don't take responsibility for third-party content.
Real-time tracking via AIS. Arrival: Sunday May 11, midday. Will anchor offshore at Puerto Granadilla. Will NOT dock.