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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 This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Spain defends hantavirus response following additional cruise ship infections

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