Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Canary Islands' economy runs on tourism, so when a suspected Hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship was reported, regional President Fernando Clavijo did not want the ship to dock.
Spain's government ultimately overruled Clavijo, but he doubled down, sending a message to the Health Minister claiming ‘rats are excellent swimmers.’
The internet responded immediately. Olympic-style rat memes flooded social media, with cartoon rodents swimming toward the Canary Islands.
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
#hantavirus #andesvirus #mvhondius #infectiousdisease #worldhealthorganization
The Canary Islands' economy runs on tourism, so when a suspected Hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship was reported, regional President Fernando Clavijo did not want the ship to dock.
Spain's government ultimately overruled Clavijo, but he doubled down, sending a message to the Health Minister claiming ‘rats are excellent swimmers.’
The internet responded immediately. Olympic-style rat memes flooded social media, with cartoon rodents swimming toward the Canary Islands.
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
#hantavirus #andesvirus #mvhondius #infectiousdisease #worldhealthorganization
