The MV Hondius, a cruise ship that sparked international concern following a deadly hantavirus outbreak, has officially docked in Rotterdam harbor this Monday, May 18, 2026. The vessel's arrival marks the end of a harrowing journey and the beginning of a rigorous disinfection and quarantine process.
A Rare and Deadly Outbreak
The outbreak first drew the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 2, when a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses was reported among the ship's passengers and crew, who represented 23 different countries. Since then, three fatalities have been confirmed: a Dutch couple and a German woman.
Hantavirus is a rare condition for which there are currently no known vaccines or specific treatments, leading to significant alarm. However, the WHO has moved quickly to reassure the global community that the outbreak is not a repeat of the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing that contagion is very rare.
Global Reach and Containment Efforts
The impact of the virus extended across several continents. Confirmed cases have been reported in seven patients, including a recent positive test from a patient in Canada. In France, a 65-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical condition after becoming symptomatic during a repatriation flight.
Containment efforts accelerated on May 10, when the ship arrived in the Canary Islands. Over 120 passengers and crew were evacuated to their home countries or to the Netherlands. While some individuals were rushed to hospitals in stable condition, many others have since tested negative and completed their quarantine.
Final Disembarkation and Next Steps
As the MV Hondius made its final approach into port, a skeleton crew of 27 people remained on board, including 25 crew members and two medical staff. The group, seen wearing protective gear including face masks, includes individuals from the Philippines (17), the Netherlands (4), Ukraine (4), Russia (1), and Poland (1).
While the WHO currently assesses the risk as "low," health officials remain vigilant. WHO leadership warned that the virus's incubation period lasts several weeks, meaning new cases could potentially emerge from those exposed before containment measures were fully implemented.
The ship, operated by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, will now undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection. Meanwhile, the remaining crew members will undergo weeks of quarantine, with some staying at port facilities and others self-isolating at home.
Reference(s):
Journey's end for hantavirus cruise ship as it docks in Rotterdam
cgtn.com
