Hantavirus update: another suspected case linked to MV Hondius as Tenerife protests intensify

Spanish health authorities confirmed this afternoon (Friday 8 May) that a 32-year-old woman in Alicante was being tested for hantavirus after developing symptoms consistent with the virus.  

The woman – who is reportedly isolating in a hospital – had travelled on the same flight as a passenger who later died in Johannesburg after contracting the disease following a cruise on the MV Hondius.  

The latest suspected infection comes as UK health officials also reported a new possible case involving a British national on Tristan da Cunha, the remote South Atlantic island where some passengers disembarked during the voyage.  

As of 8 May, five confirmed cases and three previous suspected cases had been linked to the outbreak, which were believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus – the only known strain to spread between humans in limited circumstances. 

Despite growing concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) said no passengers or crew still remaining aboard the vessel were currently reporting symptoms. WHO also reiterated that the overall public health risk posed by hantavirus remained low. 

Anaïs Legand, Technical Officer at WHO, said all passengers and crew would undergo medical assessments before disembarkation when the ship reaches Tenerife this weekend. 

“We are looking at every single step,” she said during a media briefing. “The key question will be how we can ensure the disembarkation takes place safely for everyone.” 

Passengers identified as contacts will be asked to monitor their temperature daily for 42 days and report symptoms, including headaches, fever, or general illness. National health authorities said they would continue tracing and monitoring exposed individuals once they returned home. 

Tenerife is expected to receive more than 140 passengers and crew from the vessel on Sunday as part of an internationally coordinated evacuation operation. Spanish authorities said the ship would remain offshore rather than docking directly at the island.  

Passengers will be transferred by small boat only once dedicated evacuation aircraft are positioned on the airport tarmac. Officials stressed there would be no contact between passengers and local residents, with symptomatic individuals expected to travel separately on specialist medical flights. 

The planned operation has sparked protests outside Tenerife’s parliament building, where residents and port workers voiced concerns over the ship’s arrival. 

“We want work, not illness,” demonstrators chanted as police gathered ahead of the protest earlier today. 

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo, previously critical of the Spanish government’s handling of the situation, called for cooperation to ensure passengers transit through the islands quickly and safely. 

He said in a post on X: “#CanaryIslands has been critical, and continues to be critical, of the Spanish Government’s decision regarding the MV Hondius. 

“But now it is time to act responsibly to ensure the operation goes smoothly, that the passengers spend as little time as possible in the Canary Islands, and that they can continue their journey to their home countries. 

“Now is the time to cooperate, protect the Canary Islands and its people, and pull together.” 

Elsewhere, Singapore health officials confirmed that two passengers linked to the same exposure route had tested negative for hantavirus, although both remain under precautionary quarantine.