Protocol error reported in Dutch medical centre
Twelve hospital workers at the Radboud University Medical Center have been placed in precautionary quarantine after a procedural breach involving a hantavirus patient evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The hospital confirmed that incorrect handling procedures were followed during blood sampling and waste disposal, raising concerns over adherence to strict infection control protocols.
Standard procedure used instead of strict protocol
According to the hospital, staff used a standard blood collection procedure instead of the enhanced safety protocol required due to the nature of the virus.
It was also confirmed that international guidelines were not fully followed when disposing of the patient’s urine.
Hospital officials said the error occurred after the patient was admitted on 7 May following evacuation from the MV Hondius.
Staff placed in six-week quarantine
The 12 staff members will remain in preventive quarantine for six weeks, despite authorities stressing that the risk of infection is considered low.
The hantavirus patient is also currently in isolation.
Hospital board chair Bertine Lahuis said the institution regretted the incident and would launch a full investigation.
Outbreak linked to cruise ship evacuation
The patient was among passengers evacuated following a confirmed hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius, which led to a large-scale international response.
The evacuation included multiple flights to the Netherlands and transport from Tenerife, as authorities monitored potential exposure cases.
According to the World Health Organization, at least seven cases have been confirmed, with additional probable infections reported.
Virus remains rare but serious
Hantavirus, typically spread through rodent exposure, has no specific treatment or vaccine, though health officials stress that the overall risk to the public remains low.
Three deaths have been linked to the outbreak, prompting increased monitoring but no indication of widespread transmission.
The MV Hondius is expected to undergo full disinfection procedures upon arrival in Rotterdam.
Also read: Moderna shares surge following confirmation of hantavirus vaccine research
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