A cruise ship that caused a global health scare due to a severe hantavirus outbreak has been given approval to resume operations following a thorough cleaning. The MV Hondius experienced three fatalities and ten infections from the rat-borne virus, leading to concerns about potential human-to-human transmission worldwide.
Following the incident earlier this month, over 170 passengers and crew, including 30 British nationals, were evacuated from the vessel. Authorities in Rotterdam, where the ship had been docked, confirmed its complete disinfection and removal of any obstacles to its return to the sea. The MV Hondius underwent four essential checks and underwent a deep cleaning process by workers in protective hazmat suits during its stay in the Netherlands.
After reaching the Port of Rotterdam on May 18, the ship underwent a comprehensive decontamination procedure. Crew members had to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during a strict cleaning regimen spanning several days to ensure thorough sanitization and avoid the need for subsequent quarantine.
The 25 crew members and two medical personnel who traveled from the Canary Islands to the Netherlands were immediately quarantined upon arrival to monitor the virus’s 42-day incubation period. Rigorous rodent inspection procedures were also conducted to eliminate any potential sources of the virus onboard the ship.
A final inspection by infection control specialists and the public health agency in Rotterdam on May 29 confirmed the cleanliness of the MV Hondius and the success of the decontamination process.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that the virus seemed contained during a briefing on Friday, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant. Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of the MV Hondius, plans to reintroduce the ship for its upcoming voyage scheduled for June 13, navigating through the Arctic with stops in Svalbard, Norway.
