The Hondius in the harbor of Granadilla de Abona on Tenerife.Image: keystone
May 12, 2026, 12:42 p.mMay 12, 2026, 12:42 p.m
After the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship “Hondius”, the World Health Organization (WHO) is assuming a total of eleven cases so far.
Nine people have tested positive for the virus, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Madrid at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. An infection is also assumed in two other cases. This count includes the three deaths on the ship.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks to the media.Image: keystone
All those affected have been isolated and are under strict surveillance to minimize the risk of further transmission, emphasized Tedros. He classified the risk of a major international spread as low. However, it is possible that “we will discover further cases in the coming weeks”. The countries to which the people were brought are now responsible for further observation.
The WHO recommends “strict monitoring” of people – either at home or in appropriate facilities – until June 21, Tedros said. The organization has developed guidelines for dealing with the evacuated passengers. However, individual states could adapt these. “They also have their sovereignty. We cannot force them to adopt our protocols,” said the WHO chief.
“Learn from Spain’s example”
Tedros praised the operation led by Spain on the holiday island of Tenerife to evacuate dozens of passengers and crew members. “Spain managed this operation very well.” Despite concerns from the regional government and criticism from the conservative opposition, the Spanish central government has shown exemplary solidarity, said Tedros.
«The world needs the kind of kindness and compassion that the Spanish government has shown. I think the whole world should be proud of this reaction.” He hopes “that other countries learn from Spain’s example.”
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.Image: keystone
Sánchez thanked the around 400 Spanish skilled workers for their efforts. Spain has fulfilled its obligations towards its own citizens, but also towards the rest of the world. The socialist politician emphasized that it is known that “global challenges such as health crises know no borders” and require international cooperation as well as strong and well-equipped organizations such as the WHO.
The “Hondius” reached the port of Granadilla in the south of Tenerife on Sunday. People were taken from the ship to their homeland on special flights under special security precautions. The evacuation was completed on Monday evening. The ship then continued its journey towards the Netherlands with a remaining crew.
The WHO suspects that the chain of infection started from a Dutch couple who may have been infected in South America before embarkation. So far there have been three fatalities: the Dutch couple and a German passenger. According to the WHO, a total of almost 150 people from 23 countries were on the ship. (pre/sda)