Hantavirus ship undergoes extra cleaning

• Cruise ship Hondius undergoes extra cleaning in Rotterdam
• GGD health authority inspection follows hantavirus outbreak
• Ship expected to resume scheduled voyages from 13 June

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak is undergoing additional cleaning before it can return to its home port, according

to the operating company, Oceanwide Expeditions. The announcement was made on Tuesday, following recommendations from the local health authority. The vessel, known as Hondius, returned to Rotterdam last week from its voyage. The extra cleaning measures are being implemented based on an inspection by the GGD health authority, which is tasked with ensuring public health safety in the region.

Details of the Cleaning Process

In a statement, Oceanwide Expeditions indicated that the GGD's advice stemmed from their inspection findings. The cruise line confirmed that a final inspection by the health authority will occur once the additional cleaning is completed, which is necessary before the ship can leave Rotterdam.

Health Implications and Monitoring

Yvonne van Duijnhoven, the director of public health in Rotterdam, stated that the cleaning process for the Hondius would likely take three days. The outbreak has resulted in 12 reported hantavirus cases and three fatalities, according to the World Health Organization. Notably, no deaths have been recorded since May 2.

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of quarantine measures, noting that all passengers and crew members are under close monitoring. He reassured that the situation remains stable and that authorities continue to engage with relevant governments to manage the outbreak.

Understanding Hantavirus Transmission

Hantaviruses are typically transmitted through inhalation of contaminated droppings from rodents. The current outbreak involves the Andes virus, which may have rare human-to-human transmission cases. Public health officials have assessed the risk to the general population as low.

Future Operations of the Hondius

Despite the outbreak, Oceanwide Expeditions previously stated that it does not anticipate changes to the Hondius' operations. The ship is scheduled to continue its voyages starting June 13, and the company expects no further disruptions to its sailing schedule.