Two Brits test positive for Hantavirus on cruise ship bound for Tenerife
UK health authorities have confirmed that two British passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, have tested positive for the virus. The luxury vessel is currently sailing towards the Canary Islands and is due to anchor off Granadilla in the south of Tenerife this Sunday.
Following three confirmed deaths and five infections linked to the outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) verified that two British nationals onboard have returned positive test results.
Despite the confirmed cases, Spanish External Health authorities report that both passengers and crew are currently in generally good health, and no one has shown symptoms since 28th April. The ship’s Maritime Health Declaration continues to be reviewed every 72 hours.
High-Level Talks in Tenerife
Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo is holding key talks today, Friday, with the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands and representatives from the Dutch Embassy to finalise repatriation logistics.
Regional government spokesperson Alfonso Cabello confirmed that the Canary Islands has activated its infectious disease protocol ahead of the ship’s arrival.
Military Evacuation for Spanish Nationals
Under a joint operation coordinated by the Spanish Government and the World Health Organization, the 14 Spanish passengers onboard, all currently asymptomatic, will be flown from Tenerife to Madrid on Monday (11th May) aboard a military medical aircraft.
They will then complete a preventive quarantine at the Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla.
The United Kingdom is also deploying specialist medical personnel to Tenerife to oversee the return of its nationals. British passengers will be required to undergo a strict 45-day isolation period to monitor for possible virus incubation.
There are 23 nationalities represented among the 146 people onboard, and other countries are finalising their own repatriation arrangements.
Port Workers Raise Concerns
The situation has prompted unease among workers at the Port of Granadilla, with some reportedly threatening to block access if the vessel docks, citing concerns over insufficient medical infrastructure.
Authorities have reiterated that the ship will not berth but will remain anchored offshore at a safe distance, with passengers transferred by launch under strict containment measures.
Andes Strain Raises Alarm
Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease typically transmitted via rodents, through inhalation of contaminated particles or direct contact.
The World Health Organization has identified the strain involved as the Andes variant — previously detected in South Africa — which differs from most other hantavirus strains because it can be transmitted between humans.
Chile has also ordered the isolation of two citizens who travelled on the cruise.
For residents and tourists in Tenerife, officials continue to stress that comprehensive containment protocols are in place and that there will be no contact between passengers and the general public during evacuation procedures.
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