In a direct public address, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sought to reassure residents of Tenerife, Spain, as the island prepares to receive the MV Hondius, a ship associated with cases of the Andes strain of hantavirus.
As concerns continue to grow among locals over the vessel’s arrival, Dr. Tedros announced that he will personally travel to Tenerife to oversee the operation, stressing that the overall public health risk remains low.
The MV Hondius is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Granadilla in Tenerife in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 10, 2026.
“This is not another COVID-19,” Dr. Tedros said, referring to fears triggered by memories of the 2020 pandemic. He emphasized that hantavirus does not present the same level of threat for widespread community transmission. The current public health risk from hantavirus remains low, he added.
According to Dr. Tedros, the MV Hondius is carrying nearly 150 passengers from 23 countries. Although three deaths were reported earlier, he stated that there are currently no symptomatic individuals currently on board.
He said Spanish authorities have prepared a “careful and detailed” operation for the arrival of the passengers. According to Dr. Tedros, those on board will be transferred through the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas, in sealed and guarded vehicles using fully secured corridors before being repatriated directly to their home countries. He stressed that local residents and their families would not come into contact with the passengers.
The decision to permit the ship to dock in Tenerife has generated public debate, but Dr. Tedros defended the move as both a legal obligation and a humanitarian responsibility. Under the International Health Regulations, Tenerife was considered the nearest suitable port with the medical infrastructure required to safely manage the situation.
Dr. Tedros added that he personally thanked Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for Spain’s willingness to receive the vessel, describing the decision as “an act of solidarity and moral duty.”
His upcoming visit, he said, is intended to demonstrate both practical and symbolic support. Dr. Tedros remarked that Tenerife’s “humanity deserves to be witnessed” and said he plans to stand alongside port authorities and healthcare workers involved in the repatriation effort.
Dr. Tedros further praised the response from local authorities and those involved in managing the operation. “Tenerife is demonstrating that solidarity today,” he said. “The ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, the crew, and the company operating the vessel have shown exemplary collaboration during this very difficult time. On behalf of the World Health Organization, and on behalf of those passengers and their families around the world, I thank the people of Tenerife and everyone else involved.”
He concluded his message by urging residents to remain calm and trust the safety measures put in place. “Please take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Trust the preparations that have been made. And know that the WHO is with you, and with every person on that ship, every step of the way,” Dr. Tedros said.
According to WHO, as of May 8, a total of eight cases, including three deaths, have been reported. WHO said six of the cases were confirmed as Andes virus.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Ministry of Health stated that it is working in coordination with Civil Protection to manage the ground operation and oversee the reception of the MV Hondius.
According to the ministry, the vessel is expected to arrive during the early hours of the morning and will remain anchored in the harbour basin. Authorities confirmed that all passengers will undergo medical evaluation before being allowed to disembark in a phased and controlled manner.
