WHO warns of further hantavirus cases after Tenerife cruise ship evacuation

The World Health Organization said additional hantavirus infections could appear in the weeks following the evacuation of passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was docked in Tenerife, Spain. As of the press conference, 11 cases have been reported, including three deaths; nine cases were confirmed as Andes virus infections and two were probable. WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the global public‑health risk remains low but urged continued monitoring.

Spanish authorities coordinated the evacuation of more than 120 passengers and some crew between May 10 and 11, transporting them to quarantine facilities and arranging special flights. Evacuees are required to undergo active health monitoring for 42 days, ending on June 21, with isolation and treatment for any symptomatic individuals. The vessel left Tenerife on May 11, heading to Rotterdam with remaining crew on board.

The incident highlights concerns about zoonotic disease spread in tourist hubs and the need for enhanced surveillance and bio‑security measures, especially as travel resumes worldwide.