Rotterdam, May 18: The cruise ship MV Hondius docked in Rotterdam on Monday for disinfection after a deadly hantavirus outbreak during its voyage. The vessel arrived carrying 25 crew members and two medical personnel after all passengers had already disembarked in the Canary Islands and entered quarantine in more than 20 countries.
Crew members aboard the ship were seen wearing masks as the vessel was escorted into port by tugboats and Dutch police. Authorities said the crew would immediately enter quarantine.
The outbreak has resulted in at least 11 cases, including nine confirmed infections, and three passenger deaths. Among the victims was a Dutch couple believed to have first contracted the virus while travelling in South America.
Health officials in several countries remain on alert as passengers continue to be monitored. Canada confirmed that one of four Canadians in isolation after leaving the ship tested positive for the virus, while 18 Americans are being observed in specialised healthcare facilities in the United States.
The ship operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said no one currently onboard is showing symptoms. Dutch authorities plan to fully decontaminate the vessel before health inspectors determine whether it can resume operations. The outbreak is believed to be the first known hantavirus incident on a cruise ship. France’s Pasteur Institute said genetic sequencing of the Andes virus found no evidence of mutations making it more transmissible or dangerous. (AP)
