Passengers from the MV Hondius are repatriated as health officials monitor the situation closely
Category: Health
Passengers evacuated from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius began their journeys home aboard military and government planes after the vessel anchored in the Canary Islands on May 10, 2026. The evacuation follows reports of one American passenger testing positive for the hantavirus and another French traveler developing symptoms during their flight home, raising concerns about the outbreak's potential spread.
The cruise ship, which had carried nearly 150 passengers from over 15 countries, docked at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife. Personnel in full-body protective gear and breathing masks escorted the travelers from the ship to shore, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. This evacuation effort is part of a broader response involving multiple nations, as health officials work to contain the outbreak.
U.S. health officials confirmed that one of the 17 American passengers evacuated from the MV Hondius tested positive for the hantavirus but is currently asymptomatic. In a related incident, a French passenger developed symptoms during the flight back to Paris and was placed in strict isolation upon arrival, according to French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The quick response highlights the urgency of monitoring and isolating individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
After docking, passengers were evacuated by nationality, with Spanish nationals disembarking first and being taken to a military hospital in Madrid. French passengers were flown to Paris, where emergency vehicles awaited their arrival. The aircraft carrying the Americans was scheduled to land in Omaha, Nebraska, early Monday, where they will be assessed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has a federally funded quarantine facility.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and is not easily transmitted between humans. The strain involved in this outbreak, the Andes virus, has shown rare instances of human-to-human transmission. Symptoms usually manifest between one and eight weeks after exposure. Health officials have reported that three fatalities have occurred since the outbreak began, and five individuals who left the ship earlier have been infected with hantavirus.
In a statement, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reassured the public, stating, "This is not another COVID. And the risk to the public is low. So they shouldn’t be scared, and they shouldn’t panic." This statement aims to alleviate fears as health officials manage the situation and monitor the health of those evacuated.
The evacuation efforts also involve stringent health protocols to mitigate any potential spread of the virus. Passengers and crew members were not allowed to contact the local population in Tenerife before being taken to their evacuation flights. Video footage showed passengers being sprayed with disinfectant upon disembarking, highlighting the precautions taken during this operation.
Countries around the world are responding to the outbreak with varying protocols. For example, the U.K. has committed to a 72-hour hospitalization for quarantined passengers, followed by six weeks of self-isolation. Meanwhile, the French government has decided to keep their five passengers hospitalized until they receive clearance from health authorities.
As the repatriation flights continue, health officials are recommending that the home countries of the passengers implement active monitoring and follow-up, which includes daily health checks. This recommendation is aimed at ensuring that any potential cases are identified and managed swiftly. The WHO's Maria van Kerkhove emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "We are leaving this up to the countries themselves to actually develop their own policies. But our recommendations are very clear."
In addition to the Americans, countries such as Australia and Japan are also coordinating evacuation efforts for their citizens. Australia has sent a plane to evacuate its nationals and others from nearby countries, with plans for a final flight expected to leave Tenerife soon. Meanwhile, Dutch authorities have arranged for additional flights to bring back more passengers from the Netherlands and other nations.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, with health officials closely monitoring the health of those evacuated. The MV Hondius is set to continue its voyage to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it will undergo disinfection. Meanwhile, the passengers who have been repatriated will be subject to health assessments and monitoring to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
The timeline of the outbreak remains under investigation, with health officials looking into the origins of the virus and how it spread among passengers. The swift response by health authorities and the cooperation of various governments underline the seriousness of the outbreak and the global effort to manage it effectively.
As the situation develops, health officials and governments are expected to provide updates on the health status of the evacuated passengers and any additional measures that may be necessary to protect public health.