Ship docked in Rotterdam after an outbreak of the disease, which infected at least 10 people; passengers undergo quarantine in the city
The expedition ship arrived this Monday (May 18, 2026) at the port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, after facing an outbreak of during a trip that started in Argentina. The vessel docked with just 27 people on board, including crew and health professionals, who must now remain in quarantine for several weeks.
The episode left 3 dead and at least 7 confirmed infections, in addition to one case considered probable. According to health authorities, there is still the possibility of new diagnoses due to the virus’s incubation time.
After arrival at Europe’s largest port, the ship began a complete disinfection process. Some of the occupants disembarked using personal protective equipment, while the rest remain under medical monitoring. with the company responsible for the vessel, Oceanwide Expeditionseveryone who remains on the ship is symptom-free.
The WHO (World Health Organization) that the international risk related to the case remains low and highlighted that the situation does not compare to the covid-19 pandemic.
Repatriated passengers and quarantine in Rotterdam
Before arriving in the Netherlands, more than 120 passengers and crew had already left the cruise and returned to their countries or been taken to the Netherlands. 2 patients (one British and one Dutch) were hospitalized in Dutch territory and remain stable.
People who will remain in isolation in Rotterdam will be accommodated in temporary units close to the port. In addition to new tests to detect the virus, they will also be able to receive psychological support.
A German passenger who died during the journey remains on board. The body will be cremated in the Netherlands, according to the family’s decision.
Cepa Andes raised international concern
The cruise had departed from Ushuaia, in southern Argentina, towards Cape Verde, after passing through remote islands in the South Atlantic. As the outbreak progressed, the vessel changed its route to Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, where the evacuation of passengers and repatriation of travelers was organized.
The crisis also caused diplomatic impasses. Cape Verde did not authorize the ship to dock in its territory, and Spanish authorities had to negotiate to allow the vessel to enter the Canaries.
Hantavirus is usually transmitted through contact with secretions from infected rodents. The cases identified in MV Hondius involve the Andes strain, considered the only known form of the virus capable of being transmitted between humans.
