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Hantavirus Strikes Cruise Ship; 3 Dead, All Aboard High-Risk
10 May
Summary
- All cruise ship passengers are considered high-risk due to a hantavirus outbreak.
- Three individuals, including a Dutch couple, have died from the virus.
- Symptomatic passengers may isolate in Tenerife or be evacuated home.
A cruise ship has been struck by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, prompting Europe's public health agency to classify all passengers as high-risk contacts. The MV Hondius is expected to anchor off the Spanish island of Tenerife on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Preparations were underway on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for the evacuation of citizens from the vessel. The outbreak has resulted in eight reported illnesses, tragically including three fatalities: a Dutch couple and a German national. Six of these cases are confirmed hantavirus infections, with two additional suspected cases.
Asymptomatic passengers are to be repatriated by their respective countries using specially arranged transport, avoiding regular commercial flights, for self-quarantine. Symptomatic passengers will receive priority for medical assessment and testing upon arrival. Their management, whether isolation in Tenerife or medical evacuation, will depend on their health status.
