The last two evacuation planes carrying passengers and crew from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, have landed in the Netherlands. The final group of evacuees included six passengers and 19 crew members, according to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key Takeaways
All passengers from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius have been evacuated and are returning home for quarantine. Three people have died, and at least seven confirmed cases have been reported.
- Final evacuation flights carry remaining passengers to their home countries
- One American passenger tests positive; another shows symptoms during repatriation flight
- WHO recommends 42-day quarantine period for all passengers
- Outbreak likely originated in Argentina or Chile before the ship's voyage
The evacuation operation has now concluded after 94 people were repatriated to some 20 countries. Passengers from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and other nations are expected to undergo quarantine in their home countries. The outbreak, caused by the Andes strain of hantavirus, has resulted in three deaths and at least seven confirmed cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a 42-day quarantine for all passengers. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reassured the public that the risk remains low, stating, "This is not another COVID." The Andes virus can spread between humans but generally requires prolonged close contact.
The outbreak's origin is still under investigation, with officials tracing it back to Argentina or Chile. The MV Hondius left Argentina on April 1 and made stops in several locations before docking in Tenerife for evacuation. Some passengers who disembarked earlier are being monitored in various countries, including the U.S., France, and Switzerland.
The ship will now sail to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it will be disinfected. The body of a German passenger who died during the voyage will remain on board until its arrival. The crew has been praised for their efforts during the crisis, with Captain Jan Dobrogowski highlighting their "courage and selfless resolve."
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