Residents of Tenerife are expressing growing anger and fear as a Dutch-flagged cruise ship carrying a hantavirus outbreak prepares to dock on the island. The World Health Organization confirmed nine total cases, including three deaths, linked to the cruise. The vessel left Cape Verde after three passengers were evacuated due to illness, and now it will disembark this weekend at Tenerife’s industrial port of Granadilla.
On Friday, dock workers in Santa Cruz, the capital of the Canary Islands, gathered outside the regional parliament building, demanding greater transparency and stronger safety measures. Residents fear that the ship’s arrival could pose a health risk, given the highly contagious nature of some hantavirus strains.
In response, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed Tenerife residents, reassuring them that no symptomatic passengers remain on board. He emphasized that a WHO medical expert and supplies are present on the ship. Spanish authorities have also developed a careful plan to disembark passengers away from the public, using sealed, guarded vehicles and dedicated corridors to avoid contact with local residents. The passengers will be directly repatriated to their home countries.
Dr. Tedros further announced that he will travel to Tenerife to observe the operation firsthand. He praised the island’s residents for their dignified response and solidarity during this challenging time. He also reaffirmed that Spanish authorities have meticulously prepared for the disembarkation, emphasizing that safety protocols will be strictly followed.
This outbreak has placed a spotlight on hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly illness typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents. While most hantaviruses spread through rodent droppings or urine, the Andes strain—linked to this outbreak—can rarely pass between humans. The ship had been on a polar cruise from Argentina to Antarctica, stopping at remote islands in the South Atlantic, which complicated early detection of the virus.
The World Health Organization has now alerted 12 countries connected to the outbreak, either through passengers onboard or medical evacuations. Countries such as Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States have been put on alert, with health authorities tracing passengers who may have been exposed or required evacuation. The WHO has warned that the Andes strain, though rare, can lead to severe outcomes, with mortality rates reaching up to 50% if untreated.
The situation is a stark reminder of how global health threats can affect tourism. Tenerife is a beloved travel destination, attracting millions of visitors annually with its beaches, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant culture. The island’s authorities and healthcare teams are working tirelessly to contain the risk and reassure the public. Tour operators on the island remain vigilant, adjusting itineraries and providing clear guidance to travelers.
As the cruise ship prepares to dock, Tenerife’s government has also announced that a dedicated quarantine and medical protocol will be in place.
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