A hantavirus outbreak on board a cruise vessel has prompted strict quarantine measures after the ship arrived in Rotterdam, where health authorities are preparing containment procedures for remaining crew and medical staff.
The MV Hondius arrived today at the port of Rotterdam, according to maritime tracking data, as authorities moved to set up quarantine facilities onshore.
Dutch officials are preparing isolation arrangements for 23 crew members and two medical staff who remain on board the vessel.
The hantavirus outbreak has triggered coordinated monitoring and public health responses across multiple countries.
Outbreak began during voyage in early May
The vessel, which carries passengers and crew from 23 countries, first reported a serious respiratory illness outbreak to the World Health Organization on 2 May.
At the time, the ship had around 150 people on board.
Three deaths have since been confirmed, a Dutch couple and a German woma, following the spread of the disease during the voyage.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was previously blocked from docking at its scheduled stop in Cape Verde due to the outbreak.
International coordination and evacuations
Following the escalation, the European Union and the WHO requested that Spain coordinate the evacuation of passengers and crew via the Canary Islands.
After disembarkation operations, the ship continued its route to Rotterdam with only essential personnel and medical staff remaining on board.
Authorities have indicated that quarantine facilities are in place for non-Dutch crew members, though the full duration of isolation remains under assessment.
Virus control and health risk assessment
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through rodents, although human-to-human transmission is rare and typically requires prolonged close contact.
The disease incubation period can last up to six weeks, prompting a 42-day quarantine protocol for high-risk contacts.
Disinfection procedures are expected to be carried out on the vessel.
The outbreak involves the Andes strain of the virus, which circulates mainly in Argentina and Chile. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, samples taken from the ship showed no significant mutation.
Cases and global monitoring
As of 15 May, the WHO has reported 10 cases linked to the outbreak, eight confirmed and two probable, following the exclusion of one previously suspected case in the United States.
Authorities across several countries have placed exposed passengers and contacts under quarantine or medical observation.
Health officials continue to monitor developments closely, with emphasis on tracing contacts and preventing further spread.
Source: CNA
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