The MV Hondius, a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, has docked in the Dutch port of Rotterdam for disinfection, marking the end of a troubled journey that has put international health authorities on high alert. The ship, carrying 25 crew members and two medical personnel, arrived on Monday morning after all passengers were disembarked elsewhere. Three passengers have died, including a Dutch couple believed to be the first exposed to the virus while visiting South America.

The 11-Case Outbreak: A First for Cruise Ships

The hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius is the first known case on a cruise ship. The outbreak has reached at least 11 cases, with nine confirmed. The vessel made its journey from Tenerife up the coast of Africa and Europe. According to the Dutch company that owns the cruise ship, there are no foreseen changes to its operations.

France's Pasteur Institute Weighs In

France's Pasteur Institute reported on Saturday that it has fully sequenced the Andes virus detected in a French passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship. The virus matched those already known in South America, with no evidence so far of new characteristics that would make it more transmissible or more dangerous, as the report says .

Quarantine and Decontamination Procedures

Upon arrival in Rotterdam, the crew will enter immediate quarantine . After everyone on board has disembarked, the ship will be decontaminated based on Dutch public health guidelines. The ship was escorted through the port by a tug boat and a Dutch police boat, with occupants seen wearing masks on the deck.

Passenger Evacuation and International Response

The remaining passengers were escorted off the vessel by personnel in full-body protective gear in the Canary Islands and boarded flights to more than 20 countries to enter quarantine. The ship has spent the past six days sailing from the Canary Islands to Rotterdam.