Cruise ship hit by deadly hantavirus outbreak docks in Netherlands for disinfection

The cruise ship MV Hondius docked at the Dutch port of Rotterdam on Monday for thorough disinfection after a hantavirus outbreak that has killed three passengers and sickened at least 11 others, including nine cases confirmed by the World Health Organization.

The Andes strain of hantavirus detected aboard the ship is particularly concerning because — unlike most hantavirus variants — it may be capable of limited person-to-person transmission in rare cases. Most hantavirus infections come from contact with rodent droppings and are not transmitted between humans.

## What Happened

The MV Hondius, operated by a Dutch cruise company, was carrying passengers on an itinerary that included stops where hantavirus-carrying rodents are common. Several passengers began showing symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and respiratory distress during the voyage.

Three passengers died. Nine cases have been confirmed by the WHO, with 11 total reported. The ship arrived in Rotterdam with 25 crew members and two medical personnel still on board.

Yvonne van Duijnhoven, director of public health in Rotterdam, said the crew has shown no symptoms so far but will be tested upon arrival and then weekly during quarantine. The disinfection process is expected to take about three days under Dutch public health guidelines.

"We have very strict protocols to prevent virus going from the ship towards the outside world," van Duijnhoven told The Associated Press. Public health officials will inspect the vessel before it's allowed to sail again.

## The American and Canadian Connection

Eighteen Americans are currently under observation at facilities in Nebraska and Atlanta after returning from the ship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Thursday that there are currently no known hantavirus cases in the United States — meaning none of the monitored individuals have tested positive yet.

In Canada, the Public Health Agency confirmed Sunday that one of four Canadians in isolation after leaving the ship tested positive for hantavirus and said it would share information about the case with the WHO.

## What Is Hantavirus — And Should You Worry

Hantavirus is a family of viruses spread primarily through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. In the Americas, the most common form is Sin Nombre virus, which causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) — a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness.

The Andes virus, which was detected aboard the Hondius, is found in South America and is distinctive for two reasons:

- **It can cause person-to-person transmission** in rare cases, unlike most hantavirus strains - **It has a higher mortality rate** than the North American Sin Nombre variant, with case fatality rates between 30-40%

For context, the 1993 Four Corners outbreak in the U.S. that first identified hantavirus pulmonary syndrome had a fatality rate of about 36%. The Andes strain in South America has shown similar or higher mortality in documented outbreaks.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus. Supportive care in an ICU is the standard approach, and early detection significantly improves outcomes.

## What This Means For You

**If you have a cruise booked**: The risk of hantavirus on cruise ships is extremely low. This appears to be a specific exposure incident on a specific ship, not a widespread cruise industry problem. The Dutch company says it doesn't foresee changes to operations, and the next scheduled departure from Iceland on May 29 will proceed after the disinfection.

**If you're traveling to South America**: Be aware that the Andes virus is endemic in Chile and Argentina. Avoid areas with visible rodent droppings, especially in rural cabins and campsites. If you develop fever and muscle aches after potential exposure, seek medical attention immediately and mention possible hantavirus.

**If you're concerned about person-to-person spread**: The risk is very low even for the Andes strain. Documented person-to-person transmission has only occurred in rare, specific circumstances, typically among people in very close contact. The Rotterdam quarantine protocols are designed to eliminate even this small risk.

**The bottom line**: This is a serious situation for those affected, but not a reason to cancel travel plans. The CDC says there are no cases in the U.S., and the WHO's nine confirmed cases are all linked to a single ship. The disinfection and quarantine protocols in Rotterdam appear proportionate and thorough.