Hantavirus Hits Luxury Cruise: MV Hondius Docking for Disinfection
The cruise ship MV Hondius, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, is set to dock in Rotterdam. Dutch authorities have arranged quarantine for crew members, as concerns rise over the spread of the Andes virus. The WHO ensures the situation is under control, with monitoring ongoing.
The luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, hit by a hantavirus outbreak, is expected to dock in Rotterdam on Monday morning for complete disinfection. Dutch authorities have prepared quarantine arrangements for the 25 crew members and two medical staff remaining on board, as precautionary measures.
Originally carrying 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries, the vessel reported severe respiratory illnesses to the WHO on May 2. This has resulted in three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German national. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had been stranded at Cape Verde due to denied access ashore.
Hantavirus primarily spreads through rodents, with the current outbreak linked to the Andes virus. The WHO stresses that this is not akin to the COVID-19 pandemic and expects more cases could be identified during the prolonged incubation period, advising monitoring of high-risk contacts.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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