Cruise Ship Linked To Hantavirus Outbreak That Killed 3 Passengers Cleared To Resume Operations

The cruise ship that became the centre of a global health alert after a hantavirus outbreak that killed three passengers has been cleared to return to service after undergoing extensive cleaning and disinfection in Rotterdam.

Dutch health authorities said inspections carried out on the MV Hondius found that the vessel had been cleaned effectively and disinfected in accordance with public health guidelines.

“From a public health perspective, there are no longer any obstacles to putting the Hondius back to sea,” Rotterdam’s public health agency said after a final inspection on May 29.

According to the agency, infection-control specialists reviewed the work carried out on board and concluded that the cleaning and disinfection measures met the required standards.

The vessel’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said the Hondius is expected to leave Rotterdam once all procedures are completed and will resume scheduled cruises from June 13.

The Dutch-flagged expedition ship was sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde when the outbreak disrupted the voyage. Three passengers later died after contracting the virus.

Some passengers had already left the vessel on the island of St Helena before authorities raised the health alert.

The World Health Organization has recorded 13 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak, including the three fatalities.

Hantavirus is a rare disease spread by rodents. There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments available for the virus.

Most passengers were taken off the ship in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands and flown back to their home countries.

The ship arrived in Rotterdam on May 18, where the remaining crew members were placed in quarantine.

The outbreak also led to precautionary measures in the United Kingdom. According to reports, 22 British passengers were asked by the UK Health Security Agency to remain at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for testing and observation.

Six were later allowed to complete their isolation at home, while others remained under monitoring.

Oceanwide Expeditions had previously delayed the vessel’s departure from Rotterdam after local health officials recommended additional cleaning work. The company said the extra measures were intended to ensure the ship could safely return to service.

References: AFP, Daily Express