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Spain defends hantavirus response following additional cruise ship infections

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands / 12 May 2026

Spanish health authorities have defended the emergency response surrounding the evacuation of passengers from the Dutch-registered MV Hondius after additional hantavirus infections were confirmed among travellers repatriated from the Canary Islands.

The operation followed an international health alert linked to the expedition cruise vessel after three passengers died during the outbreak investigation.

International evacuation operation

A large-scale repatriation effort was launched from Santa Cruz de Tenerife involving 94 passengers and crew members from 19 countries.

Spanish authorities coordinated extensive medical screening and sanitary controls before passengers boarded international flights home under strict supervision.

Despite these precautions, authorities in both France and the United States later confirmed positive hantavirus cases among evacuated passengers.

Spanish officials stated that all containment measures had been implemented from the outset to minimise possible transmission risks.

Health authorities reject wider public health concerns

According to the Spanish Ministry of Health, the French passenger reportedly became unwell during the return flight rather than while onboard the ship.

Officials also stated that the US passenger did not initially show symptoms during the vessel’s earlier stop in Cape Verde. US authorities nevertheless treated the case as positive and requested a separate evacuation procedure.

Additional repatriation flights to the Netherlands and Australia were expected to conclude the operation, while the vessel itself was scheduled to depart for the Netherlands with a reduced crew onboard.

Spanish minister Ángel Víctor Torres said authorities hoped to complete the evacuation operation ahead of schedule.

British passengers isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital

British passengers aboard the MV Hondius were repatriated to the UK on a specially arranged charter flight from Tenerife and transferred to the isolation facility at Arrowe Park Hospital in northwest England.

A total of 20 British nationals, alongside one German resident of the UK and one Japanese passenger, entered precautionary quarantine and medical monitoring at the hospital site following their arrival from the Canary Islands.

Health officials said none of the British passengers initially displayed symptoms before travelling, although they continue to undergo testing and observation as part of the UK Health Security Agency response.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare viral disease generally transmitted through contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments.

Health experts have repeatedly stressed that there is currently no indication of a large-scale international health threat, and officials have rejected comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are currently no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available for hantavirus, although most cases remain isolated and linked to environmental exposure rather than sustained human transmission.

International health agencies continue monitoring the situation while tracing passenger contacts linked to the cruise voyage.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.