Cruise ship at center of hantavirus outbreak docks in Rotterdam
The MV Hondius cruise ship, linked to a hantavirus outbreak, has docked in Rotterdam with a limited crew under quarantine. Three passengers died from the virus, prompting global concern, although the World Health Organization has classified the outbreak as low risk. The ship will undergo disinfection while remaining crew members are monitored for symptoms.
- ▪Twenty-five crew and two medical staff remain on board the MV Hondius as it docks in Rotterdam.
- ▪Three passengers died from hantavirus, a rare virus with no vaccines or specific treatments available.
- ▪The World Health Organization has stated that the risk of onward transmission is expected to be reduced following disembarkation.
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The MV Hondius cruise ship, center, arrives at the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Monday, May 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post) PATRICK POST / AP PHOTO/PATRICK POST A cruise ship that sparked global alarm after a deadly outbreak of hantavirus docked in Rotterdam harbor on Monday, May 18, with the skeleton crew facing weeks of quarantine. Twenty-five crew and two medical staff remain on board, some of whom could be seen wearing blue hard hats and white face masks as the ship made its final approach into port for disembarkation and disinfection. The ship, operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, made headlines after three passengers died from hantavirus – a rare virus for which no vaccines nor specific treatments exist.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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