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Hantavirus Cruise Ship Docks for Disinfection After Deaths
18 May
Summary
- Hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius resulted in 11 cases and three deaths.
- The ship docked in Rotterdam for a three-day disinfection process.
- Crew members are now in quarantine and will be tested weekly.
The MV Hondius cruise ship, experiencing a severe hantavirus outbreak, has docked at the Dutch port of Rotterdam. This docking marks the end of a troubled voyage that placed international health authorities on high alert.
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive disinfection process for the vessel, which is expected to last approximately three days. The ship had previously disembarked all passengers, who were then escorted to flights bound for over 20 countries to enter quarantine.
The outbreak has resulted in at least 11 cases, with nine confirmed infections and three fatalities among passengers. The crew, though currently asymptomatic, will undergo quarantine and weekly testing to monitor for symptoms.
The hantavirus outbreak is the first known instance on a cruise ship. The ship's owners do not anticipate operational changes and have an Arctic cruise scheduled soon.
International health organizations, including the World Health Organization and France's Pasteur Institute, are involved. The institute has sequenced the virus, confirming it matches known South American strains with no new dangerous characteristics identified.
