On April 27, the MV Hondius, a cruise vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, docked at the Port of Rotterdam for a full disinfection after a six‑day voyage from the Canary Islands. the ship is linked to 11 confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases, three of which have been fatal, including a German passenger whose body is being repatriated.

Rotterdam Disinfection Effort After Six‑Day Voyage

The Dutch health ministry confirmed that the MV Hondius arrived on Saturday and will undergo a thorough decontamination before any inspection permits it to sail again. According to the ministry, protective gear and strict protocols will shield the cleaning crews from infection.

First North American Case: Canadian Tests Positive

Health Canada reported that a Canadian passenger tested positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus, marking the first confirmed case on the continent. The individual was isolated in a negative‑pressure room, and officials emphasized that infection controls have been in place since the ship’s arrival.

Fatalities and Suspected Cases Across Three Countries

Authorities have identified nine diagnosed cases and two suspected ones, with three deaths—including a Dutch couple believed to have contracted the virus in South America. The Pasteur Institute in France verified that the strain matches known South American variants, ruling out a new, more virulent form.

Passenger Evacuation and Ongoing Quarantine

More than 20 countries evacuated passengers in full protective gear; the United States is monitoring 18 Americans in specialized facilities , while two dozen passengers and crew remain in the Netherlands under extended isolation.. No crew members or onboard medical staff have shown symptoms, according to the ship’s operator.

Unanswered Questions About the Source of the Outbreak

Investigators have yet to determine how the virus entered the ship’s environment, and whether any onboard activities facilitated transmission. The operator insists that upcoming Arctic expeditions, scheduled for May 29, will proeced unchanged, but health officials remain cautious.