MV Hondius cruise ship undergoes enhanced disinfection after Andes virus outbreak; 12 cases and 3 deaths reported

The MV Hondius cruise ship, which returned early to Rotterdam following a deadly Andes virus outbreak, is undergoing enhanced cleaning and disinfection before resuming operations. The Oceanwide Expeditions vessel arrived at the Port of Rotterdam on May 18, 2026, and is following additional cleaning recommendations from local health authorities (GGD). According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the outbreak has resulted in 12 confirmed hantavirus cases and 3 deaths among passengers and crew, with no new fatalities reported since May 2. All affected individuals remain under quarantine and close medical monitoring. While hantaviruses typically spread through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings, the Andes virus strain involved in this outbreak may rarely transmit between people. Public health officials assess the risk to the general public as low. The cruise company anticipates normal operations resuming from June 13 onward, with no further sailing schedule disruptions expected.