Netherlands Prepares Quarantine Measures For Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Ship

Dutch authorities have confirmed that the cruise vessel MV Hondius will likely dock at the Port of Rotterdam on Monday.

A hantavirus outbreak has affected the vessel. Most of the crew members on board are likely to undergo a six-week quarantine period after arrival in the Netherlands.

In a letter sent to the Dutch parliament on Friday, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport Sophie Hermans and Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen addressed the situation. They said Rotterdam had been designated as the national port for handling infectious disease cases linked to maritime transport. The Ministers also outlined the government’s response and coordination measures.

Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the ship, stated that 27 individuals are currently on board the vessel. The group includes 25 crew members and two medical staff.

According to the operator, those on board comprise 17 Filipino nationals, four Dutch citizens, four Ukrainians, one Russian national and one Polish citizen.

Dutch officials said quarantine arrangements would vary depending on the circumstances of the crew members. Some individuals are likely to isolate at home after reaching the Netherlands, while others who cannot immediately travel back to their home countries will remain at designated quarantine locations.

Authorities have issued separate guidance for the 17 Filipino crew members.

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, known as RIVM, advised that they should complete the full six-week quarantine period within the Netherlands.

The recommendation was based on concerns about limited quarantine enforcement and restricted access to advanced medical care in their home country. Authorities also considered the risk of symptoms developing later.

Officials stated that the decision aimed to reduce risks to international public health. It also sought to protect the health of the crew members themselves.

The Dutch government also noted that the guidance followed consultations with the World Health Organisation and aligned with WHO protocols.

In addition to quarantine procedures, the vessel will undergo extensive sanitisation after reaching Rotterdam.

A specialised external cleaning company will carry out the operation. The process will follow health guidelines prepared by the RIVM and take place in coordination with Rotterdam’s municipal health authorities.

Officials added that protective measures would be put in place for cleaning personnel. These measures would ensure they would not need to enter quarantine after completing the disinfection process.

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