18.05.2026 19:00
The luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, which has been on the world public's agenda for days due to the Hantavirus outbreak, arrived at the port of Rotterdam after evacuation procedures. Following the deaths of three people on board, Dutch authorities launched a comprehensive health and disinfection operation, while the remaining crew and health personnel on the ship were reported to be quarantined. Authorities announced that the ship would be fully sterilized to contain the outbreak.
The luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, which made headlines worldwide due to a hantavirus outbreak, reached the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands after passengers were evacuated. Authorities announced that comprehensive disinfection operations would begin on the ship.
CREW PLACED IN QUARANTINE
Dutch authorities announced that the remaining 25 crew members and two health workers on the ship have been placed under controlled quarantine. It was stated that the health teams are closely monitoring the condition of the personnel under observation.
THREE PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES
According to data from the World Health Ministry, 8 confirmed and 2 probable hantavirus cases have been identified on the ship so far. It was reported that three people died due to the outbreak. It was stated that the bodies of the deceased Dutch couple were sent to their home country, while the remains of a German woman would be cremated in the Netherlands and the ashes delivered to her family.
SUSPICION OF ANDES-TYPE VIRUS
The outbreak on the ship, which had approximately 150 passengers and crew, is believed to be caused by the Andes-type hantavirus found in South America. Experts note that the virus is usually transmitted from rodents, but in rare cases, it can also spread among humans through close contact.
COMPREHENSIVE CLEANING BEGINS ON THE SHIP
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) stated that no symptoms have been observed so far in the individuals evacuated from the ship, and there is no risk to the public. Authorities reported that everyone exposed has been isolated and undergone health checks.
The disinfection processes on the ship are expected to last approximately one week. It was noted that cabins where positive cases stayed would be considered "high-risk areas," and all areas, including ventilation systems, would be cleaned by special teams.
HELD AT SEA FOR DAYS
It was learned that after the outbreak, MV Hondius was previously held off the coast of Cape Verde, and passengers were not allowed to disembark. Later, some passengers were evacuated and quarantined in the Caribbean Islands.
THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL
In a statement on his social media account, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the crew's 42-day quarantine has begun and thanked all countries working with WHO to resolve the issue.
In his message, Ghebreyesus said, "I am pleased to see that the next step is progressing smoothly with MV Hondius arriving in the Netherlands today.
The remaining crew who brought the ship from the Canary Islands will now begin a 42-day quarantine period, and the ship will undergo full cleaning and disinfection.
In total, 11 cases have been reported (9 confirmed, 2 probable), including three deaths. The latest confirmed case was also a passenger. The individual was among those repatriated and developed symptoms while in quarantine, now receiving clinical care.
I thank all countries and partners working together in this #hantavirus response.
I also extend my thanks to Captain Jan Dobrogowkshi for his leadership and close coordination with us throughout the process."