A cruise ship affected by a Hantavirus outbreak is expected to arrive in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where authorities are preparing containment and sanitation measures.
The vessel, identified as the MV Hondius, will dock for disinfection after a health incident that began earlier in May. Officials have arranged quarantine plans for the remaining crew members and onboard medical staff, with some expected to undergo extended isolation depending on health assessments.
The outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2 after several passengers developed severe respiratory symptoms. At the time, the ship had roughly 150 people from multiple countries onboard. Since then, three individuals have died.
Initially, the ship was unable to dock at its intended destination due to health concerns. Passengers were later evacuated in Spain, leaving a reduced crew onboard as the vessel continued its journey to the Netherlands.
Health experts say the virus involved is a known strain that has circulated in parts of South America for years. While hantavirus is usually linked to rodents, human-to-human transmission can occur in rare cases, especially with prolonged close contact. The incubation period can last several weeks.
Authorities globally have been monitoring and isolating individuals who had contact with those infected. The WHO has emphasized that, despite concerns, the situation does not resemble a global pandemic like COVID-19.
As the ship approaches Rotterdam, local residents have expressed mild concern about compliance with quarantine rules but largely believe the situation is under control.
