Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak Cruise Ship Arrives in Rotterdam
The luxury expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has arrived at the port of Rotterdam after a hantavirus outbreak onboard left three people dead and triggered an international health response. The vessel carried around 150 passengers and crew members from 23 countries.
The outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2. WHO later confirmed eight cases and two probable cases linked to the ship. According to The Maritime Telegraph, Dutch authorities organized a controlled disembarkation process in a secured port area after the vessel reached Rotterdam. Officials said the remaining crew members and medical staff who left the ship showed no symptoms upon arrival.
Earlier, the vessel remained off Cape Verde after local authorities restricted disembarkation. International agencies, including the WHO and EU health authorities, later coordinated the evacuation of passengers and crew in several stages.
Health officials said the risk to the public remains low and confirmed there is no evidence of wider community transmission. The ship will now undergo full disinfection, including ventilation system cleaning and cabin decontamination. Authorities continue monitoring passengers and crew members who were repatriated or placed under quarantine in several countries.
