Hantavirus Cruise Ship Arrives in Rotterdam After Deadly Outbreak

Rotterdam Port Prepares Quarantine After Hantavirus Cases on Cruise Ship

Cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak arrived at the Port of Rotterdam on Monday, marking the end of a difficult journey after weeks of health concerns at sea. Dutch authorities are preparing quarantine arrangements for 23 crew members and two medical staff still onboard the vessel.

The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius had around 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries when severe respiratory illnesses were first reported on May 2. Since the outbreak began, three people — a Dutch couple and a German national — have died.

Health Authorities Monitor Remaining Risk

The ship had earlier been stopped near Cape Verde after passengers were prevented from leaving due to infection concerns. Following evacuations in the Canary Islands, the vessel continued to Rotterdam with a reduced crew.

Health officials said the ship will undergo disinfection, while some crew members may remain in quarantine. The outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is mainly spread by rodents but can rarely spread between people through prolonged close contact.

The World Health Organization has reported 10 cases so far, including eight confirmed infections and three deaths.