ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — May 18, 2026 — The expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, the world’s first Polar Class 6 vessel, has docked in Rotterdam following a hantavirus outbreak that left three people dead and infected at least 11 passengers, and crew. Authorities are now preparing to disembark the remaining crew and disinfect the ship, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the global risk as low.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions and registered in Vlissingen, arrived at its final destination after passengers disembarked in the Canary Islands between May 10 and 11. All 170 passengers had already left the vessel, but the 73-member crew—comprising 57 staff, 13 expedition guides, and one ship’s doctor—remain aboard for quarantine and testing. Rotterdam port authorities have set up 25 mobile homes equipped with catering and satellite communications to accommodate the crew during their mandatory isolation period.
Hantavirus, a group of viruses primarily carried by rodents, rarely spreads between humans, though the Andes strain—identified in this outbreak—has documented cases of person-to-person transmission. The WHO has recommended a 42-day isolation period for those exposed, and Dutch health officials are conducting extensive testing to determine if any crew members have contracted the virus.
Three Deaths Confirmed; Global Risk Assessed as Low
The outbreak has claimed three lives: a Dutch couple and a German woman, all passengers who had traveled on the ship. Canadian authorities confirmed an additional case on May 17, bringing the total number of infections among passengers to 11. The WHO, in a statement on May 16, reported eight confirmed cases and two suspected cases, emphasizing that the risk of a global pandemic remains “very unlikely.”
Dutch health officials, including Director of GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond Yvonnes van Duijnhoven, have stressed that the ship’s doctor and nurse collected samples aboard for testing. Further results are expected on May 18, with crew members undergoing mandatory isolation until cleared by authorities.
According to the ship’s specifications, the MV Hondius is designed for Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, featuring Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened construction and advanced environmental controls, including LED lighting and bio-degradable paints. However, the outbreak has drawn global attention to the challenges of containing infectious diseases on confined vessels.
Rotterdam Prepares for Quarantine and Disinfection
Port authorities in Rotterdam received the ship’s request to dock 10 days ago and coordinated with regional health services to ensure a safe arrival. The vessel, which had been sailing in the Canary Islands before returning to the Netherlands, will undergo thorough disinfection before any further operations.
René de Vries, Rotterdam port harbor master, stated that the port had prepared for the ship’s arrival by setting up temporary accommodations and collaborating with health officials. “We received the request and, after consulting with regional health authorities, agreed to welcome the ship,” he said. The crew’s isolation period will be closely monitored to prevent any further spread of the virus.
Hantavirus infections typically cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, but severe cases can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal condition. The WHO has issued guidelines for healthcare providers, emphasizing early detection and supportive care.
Expert Assessments: Why the Risk Remains Low
Disease specialists have repeatedly emphasized that while hantavirus outbreaks can be severe, the risk of a global pandemic is minimal. The Andes strain, responsible for this outbreak, is rare but has been documented in South America, where person-to-person transmission has occurred. However, experts note that the virus does not spread easily and requires close contact with infected individuals or rodent excrement.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for COVID-19, has previously stated that hantavirus outbreaks are “localized and contained,” with no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission beyond specific clusters. The current situation on the MV Hondius is being treated as an isolated incident, though health authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
What Happens Next?
Over the next 42 days, the crew will remain in isolation while awaiting test results. The ship itself will undergo deep cleaning and disinfection, with health officials ensuring no residual risk remains. Passengers who disembarked in the Canary Islands are being advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
The WHO and Dutch health authorities will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. For the latest advisories, readers can refer to:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond
- Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM)
As the situation develops, World Today Journal will continue to provide updates on this evolving story. In the meantime, we encourage readers to share their thoughts and questions in the comments below.