Hantavirus Cruise Ship Heads to Rotterdam for Clean‑Up

The Dutch‑flagged cruise liner MV Hondius docked in Rotterdam on Monday morning.
Its 25‑member crew, along with two doctors, will be quarantined while the vessel undergoes a thorough disinfection.

Background

• Passenger load: ~150 travelers from 23 nations.
• First alert: Severe lung illnesses reported to the WHO on May 2.
• Fatalities: Three deaths (a Dutch couple and a German traveler) since the outbreak began.
• Previous status: Stranded near Cape Verde; disembarkation halted by authorities.
• Evacuation: Conducted by Spain at the Canary Islands before the ship sailed to Rotterdam with a minimal crew and medical staff.

The Virus

• Primary transmission: Rodent droppings; human-to-human spread is rare, requiring prolonged close contact.
• Incubation period: Up to six weeks—new cases may surface months later.

WHO Update

• Confirmed or probable infections: 10 worldwide, including the three deaths.
• Recent case: A Canadian passenger tested positive after leaving Rotterdam, bringing the total to 11.

Public Response

• Dutch residents: Watching closely but do not anticipate a new pandemic.
• Quarantine concerns: Some worry about prolonged isolation; others feel reassured after learning more about the disease.

WHO Guidance

• High‑risk contacts: 42‑day quarantine recommended.
• Lower risk individuals: Continuous monitoring advised.