90-Second Read: Cruise ship hit by Hantavirus outbreak arrives in Netherlands for disinfection as it wraps up troubled journey
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Lucas Ferreira
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Published May 18, 2026
The outbreak has led to at least 11 reported cases, nine confirmed. Three passengers died, including a Dutch couple believed by health officials to have been initially exposed in South America. The Hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius is the first known case on a cruise ship.
Internationally, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced one of four Canadians isolated after leaving the ship tested positive Sunday. The vessel made the journey from Tenerife up the coast of Africa and Europe with 25 crew members and two medical personnel. Crew members who are unable to return home will be quarantined in the Netherlands, the Dutch health ministry said last week.
Some two dozen passengers and crew are already in quarantine in the Netherlands after arriving in the country on a series of flights over the previous two weeks. The Dutch company that owns the cruise ship said it doesn't foresee any changes to its operations. Information will be shared with the World Health Organization.
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Based on reporting from AOL.com. Read the original source for full details.
Source published May 18, 4:47 AM EDT. Hantavirus Now reviewed reporting from AOL.com and summarized the key points below.
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