A cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak is expected to arrive at Tenerife in the early hours of Sunday as international health authorities intensify efforts to contain the situation.
Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that preparations are already underway regarding quarantine arrangements, medical screening procedures, and onward travel plans for passengers and crew members aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel, HV Hondius.
In a statement, the company explained that several international agencies are involved in coordinating the response, including the World Health Organization, Dutch health authorities, and Spanish officials.
“Preparations regarding our point of arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all guests, and the onward travel plans for all guests and affected crew are being led by organisations from several countries,” the company stated.
Oceanwide Expeditions also disclosed that as of Friday evening, no passengers or crew members aboard the vessel were showing symptoms linked to the virus.
The cruise ship had remained anchored for days off the coast of Cape Verde after concerns over the outbreak emerged during the voyage.
The vessel is now heading toward Tenerife, where authorities at the port of Granadilla are expected to take over medical assessments and determine whether passengers can proceed with return travel arrangements.
The outbreak has already been linked to the deaths of three passengers — an elderly Dutch couple and a German woman.
The cruise ship departed from southern Argentina on April 1 with fewer than 150 people onboard before reports of infections surfaced during the journey.
On Friday, the WHO confirmed six hantavirus cases connected to the outbreak, including the three fatalities, while two additional suspected cases remain under investigation.
Health officials across multiple countries continue monitoring the situation closely as authorities work to prevent further spread of the virus.
