Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Hantavirus Ship Reaches Tenerife as WHO-Led Evacuation Begins

Officials describe the local risk as low due to sealed transfers for direct repatriation.

Overview

  • The MV Hondius, which reached Granadilla de Abona early Sunday, is starting a staged disembarkation into sealed transport for repatriation flights.
  • WHO has confirmed six Andes hantavirus infections with two more under review and reported three deaths linked to the voyage.
  • Spanish teams with WHO support are screening people on board, then moving them off in groups of up to five with FFP2 masks and light hand luggage straight to planes.
  • Officials say no one on the ship has symptoms, yet all are treated as high‑risk contacts because incubation can last weeks and quarantine will follow on arrival.
  • After passengers depart, a reduced crew will sail the ship to the Netherlands for body removal and full disinfection while partners track more than 30 people who disembarked earlier.