Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:35pm on 08 May 2026,Friday International
Spain is preparing a large-scale health operation as the hantavirus-affected cruise ship MV Hondius approaches Tenerife. The Dutch-flagged vessel, carrying 149 passengers and crew from 23 countries, will anchor at Granadilla port without docking. Authorities confirmed no direct contact with the local population will be allowed. Spanish nationals onboard will be transferred to a military hospital in Madrid, while foreign passengers will be repatriated directly via chartered flights coordinated by countries including the U.K. and U.S. Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García called it an “unprecedented operation” involving WHO coordination. Three passengers have died and at least eight confirmed or suspected infections remain linked to the outbreak. (PC: X)
