The MV Hondius has been cleared for voyages following a hantavirus outbreak that claimed the lives of three passengers
Kyiv • UNN
The vessel underwent disinfection in Rotterdam following an outbreak of hantavirus from South America. The Netherlands Public Health Service has authorized new voyages.
The liner MV Hondius has undergone disinfection and received permission to resume voyages in the Netherlands following a hantavirus outbreak that claimed the lives of three passengers. This was reported by Bild, according to UNN.
Details
The expedition vessel owned by Oceanwide Expeditions underwent cleaning and disinfection in Rotterdam. According to the company, it was inspected on May 29, and on May 30, representatives of the Dutch health service GGD authorized the return of the MV Hondius to full operation.
Residual organic materials were removed from all eight decks, hard surfaces were disinfected, and soft surfaces were treated with high-temperature steam. The company also told BILD that no mice or rats were found on the ship. It is through their excrement that hantavirus is typically transmitted.
According to the WHO and Oceanwide Expeditions, the virus likely reached the ship from mainland South America. Three passengers died from the dangerous Andes strain of hantavirus, which can be transmitted from person to person. The crew of the previous voyage has disembarked and is currently in quarantine.