Tenerife activates Pre-Alert Emergency Plan ahead of Hantavirus cruise ship arrival
The Tenerife Cabildo has activated its Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) as a pre-alert due to health risk, ahead of the arrival of the cruise ship MV Hondius to the island.
The pre-alert will come into force at 6:00pm tomorrow, Saturday, as the vessel — linked to a limited hantavirus outbreak — approaches the island, later than the originally planned time of midday.
“Protecting the People of Tenerife”
Island president Rosa Dávila said the activation is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding residents and visitors to the island: “All decisions being taken prioritise the health security of our citizens and visitors,” she stated, adding that authorities are acting “with responsibility and coordination” to anticipate any possible risk.
According to Spain’s Ministry of Health, the ship, sailing from Cape Verde, has recorded eight cases linked to the zoonotic disease, which is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Ship to Anchor Off Granadilla
Following guidance from the World Health Organization and in line with International Health Regulations, the vessel will anchor offshore near Granadilla de Abona rather than dock in the port.
Passengers will be transferred under controlled conditions directly to the airport area for repatriation to their home countries.
Authorities continue to stress that there will be no contact with the general population.
Preventive Measures in Place
Under the pre-alert phase, the Cabildo has implemented several precautionary actions, including:
- Continuous monitoring and positioning control of the vessel
- Coordination with national health and state authorities
- Oversight of passenger transfers to airport facilities to ensure full traceability and sanitary control
- Recommendation that the Granadilla de Abona Town Hall activate its Municipal Emergency Plan
All island-level resources that could be required have been placed on standby to ensure a rapid response if circumstances change.
“No Risk to the General Public”
The Cabildo has emphasised that this activation is strictly preventive and reflects a controlled scenario. Health authorities have delimited the outbreak and established specific containment protocols.
Officials insist there is currently no risk to the general public, while maintaining close and ongoing surveillance of the situation.
For residents and visitors in Tenerife, the message remains consistent: enhanced monitoring is underway, but the operation is being handled under strict health and safety controls.
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