MV Hondius passengers affected by hantavirus will disembark in Tenerife on Sunday, with repatriation to home countries coordinated by Spain and the WHO. Spanish officials confirmed all 147 onboard will leave the ship, followed by disinfection in the Netherlands. Mónica García, Spain’s health minister, assured the public of “no additional contact” beyond existing exposures.

The Andes strain of hantavirus, confirmed in three deceased passengers, is the only known human-transmissible type. WHO director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the virus poses a “low risk” to the public, emphasizing no asymptomatic spread. Seven of 17 U.S. passengers have returned home; the remaining 10 will be monitored at University of Nebraska Medical Center for 42 days without quarantine.

Non-symptomatic passengers, including Belgium, France, and Germany nationals, will undergo home monitoring with limited social interactions. WHO and CDC officials stress testing asymptomatic individuals is unnecessary, as transmission requires symptoms. Chris Mcgrath/Getty Images captured setup efforts in Tenerife.

This outbreak, linked to South America’s Andes strain, highlights global health challenges. Despite decades of research, no effective treatments or vaccines exist. Dr. Adhanom praised Tenerife’s “grace and solidarity” during the crisis, urging calm as authorities manage the situation.