Luxury cruise ship MV Hondius hit by hantavirus outbreak, leaving 8 people infected and 3 dead. The World Health Organization has briefed member states with nationals on board on how to manage the process.
The risk of the virus spreading is low according to health authorities, but precautions are being taken to ensure public safety.
Countries prepared to evacuate their citizens from the luxury cruise ship as it anchors near Tenerife early on Sunday.
Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands will send planes to evacuate their citizens aboard the Tenerife-bound cruise ship, Spain's interior minister said in Madrid on Saturday.
The European Union is sending two further planes for the remaining European citizens, while the US and UK have confirmed planes and contingency plans were being arranged for non-EU citizens.
British passengers and staff will be taken to a hospital in northwest England for an initial isolation period once they are repatriated, while Americans will be sent to Nebraska for quarantine and testing.
All 17 crew members who tested negative for the virus will stay on board and travel on to the Netherlands.
The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged caution, stating that the current public health risk from hantavirus remains low.
Passengers will be ferried ashore in sealed, guarded vehicles through a completely cordoned-off corridor before being repatriated directly to their home countries.
The World Health Organization's cautious approach highlights the complexities of managing a global health crisis.
