Dutch Officials Confirm Safe Return of Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Ship

The cruise ship tied to a global hantavirus outbreak has been declared safe to sail again following complete cleaning and disinfection.

The Dutch port of Rotterdam’s health officials confirmed Saturday that, the MV Hondius can resume sailing as there are no longer any public health issues.

Authorities reported that the vessel passed a final inspection on Friday found the ship had been properly cleaned and disinfected as required.

the ship was safe and ready to operate again confirmed by Infection control experts in the statement. A few days ago, Oceanwide Expeditions stated, that the vessel would depart Rotterdam after inspections and return to its cruise schedule starting June 13.

During its trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, the MV Hondius had to hang its crossing after numerous commuters became sick. Due to the hantavirus outbreak, three death tolls were later informed. Before the situation became clear, some passengers landed at St Helena, while most were evacuated later in Tenerife and returned to their home countries.

The remaining crew members were immediately placed in quarantine on May 18, after arriving in Rotterdam. 13 cases associated with the outbreak confirmed by WHO including those who lost their lives. Spread by rodents, Hantavirus, a rare disease has no specific cure or vaccine at present.