The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a direct message on 9 May 2026 to the people of Tenerife concerning the hantavirus response involving the MV Hondius cruise ship, according to a press release by the World Health Organization. Speaking from Madrid, Tedros sought to reassure residents that the current public health risk from hantavirus remains low. He confirmed that the virus aboard the vessel is the Andes strain of hantavirus, that three people have lost their lives, and that no symptomatic passengers are currently on board. The statement framed Tenerife’s role as an act of solidarity guided by international health rules.
The WHO’s request to Spain was made in full accordance with the International Health Regulations, the legally binding framework defining the rights and obligations of countries and the WHO during public health events of international concern. Under those rules, the nearest port with sufficient medical capacity must be identified to ensure the safety and dignity of those on board. Tenerife met that standard, and Spain honored it. Nearly 150 people from 23 countries have been at sea for weeks. Tedros personally thanked Prime Minister Sanchez for Spain’s decision to receive the ship.
A WHO expert is on board the MV Hondius, and medical supplies are in place. Spanish authorities have prepared a step-by-step plan for disembarkation. Passengers will be ferried ashore at the industrial port of Granadilla, far from residential areas, in sealed, guarded vehicles. They will move through a completely cordoned-off corridor and be repatriated directly to their home countries. Tedros emphasized that residents and their families will not encounter the passengers.
Tedros announced that he intends to travel to Tenerife to observe the operation firsthand, stand alongside health workers, port staff, and officials, and pay his respects to the island. He acknowledged the lingering pain of 2020 but stressed that the situation is different. “This is not another COVID,” he stated, adding that the WHO’s assessment was not made lightly. He praised the ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, the crew, and the company operating the vessel for exemplary collaboration. He thanked the people of Tenerife on behalf of the WHO and the passengers’ families.
The Director-General reiterated a long-standing message that viruses do not care about politics and do not respect borders. He described solidarity as the strongest form of immunity available. Tedros urged residents to trust the preparations that have been made and to take care of themselves and one another. He affirmed that the WHO stands with the people of Tenerife and with every person on the ship. The message closed with respect, care, and gratitude from the Director-General.
