MV Hondius Arrives in Rotterdam Amid Hantavirus Concerns
The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which has been affected by a hantavirus outbreak, has reached its final destination in Rotterdam.
For the last segment of the voyage, only the ship's crew remained onboard, as all passengers disembarked in the Canary Islands between 10 and 11 May.
Isolation Measures for Crew at Rotterdam Port
René de Vries, harbour master of Rotterdam port, stated that 25 mobile homes equipped with catering services and satellite communications have been arranged to facilitate self-isolation for the crew members.
Fatalities and Confirmed Cases
Three individuals—a Dutch couple and a German woman—who traveled on the MV Hondius have died, with two confirmed to have contracted the virus. The World Health Organization has reported a total of 10 cases linked to this outbreak, including eight confirmed and two suspected infections.
Testing and Medical Response
Yvonnes van Duijnhoven, Director of GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond, explained that the ship's doctor and nurse collected biological samples onboard. These samples will be tested upon arrival, with additional testing scheduled for Monday afternoon to determine if the crew members are infected with hantavirus.
About Hantavirus and Transmission
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses typically carried by rodents. While most hantavirus strains do not transmit between humans, rare cases of human-to-human transmission have been documented, specifically involving the Andes virus strain responsible for this outbreak.
Port Coordination and Ship Handling
De Vries noted that the port received a docking request for the cruise ship 10 days prior. After consultation with the regional health service, it was agreed that the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius would be permitted to dock.
The port has worked closely with health authorities and local officials in preparation for the ship's arrival, according to de Vries.
"[It] will be properly cleaned and then she can leave again,"
he added, referring to the ship's status now that it is moored.
