Hantavirus-hit cruise ship due to arrive at Rotterdam port as final destination
The MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, is set to arrive in Rotterdam for disinfection and quarantine measures. The ship had been carrying around 150 passengers and crew when respiratory illnesses were reported, leading to three fatalities. Authorities are preparing quarantine facilities for the crew and monitoring contacts in various countries, though the WHO has stated that the situation does not resemble a pandemic like COVID-19.
- ▪The MV Hondius is arriving in Rotterdam for disinfection after a hantavirus outbreak.
- ▪Three people have died from the outbreak, which has affected passengers from 23 countries.
- ▪The WHO has confirmed 10 cases of hantavirus, including eight confirmed and two probable cases.
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Hantavirus-hit cruise ship due to arrive at Rotterdam port as final destinationSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 18, 2026, 08:03 AMUpdated May 18, 2026, 08:03 AMROTTERDAM, May 18 - The hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius was due to dock in Rotterdam on Monday morning for disinfection, with Dutch authorities preparing quarantine arrangements for the 25 crew members and two medical staff remaining on board.Local authorities said quarantine facilities had been set up for some of the non-Dutch crew, though it was not clear yet if they would stay there for the full recommended 42-day quarantine period.The Dutch-flagged luxury cruise ship had been carrying around 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries when a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses among…
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