90-Second Read: Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Headed For Rotterdam

The Dutch-flagged luxury cruise ship had been carrying around 150 passengers and crew from ⁠23 countries when a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses among passengers was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2. Hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents but can be transmitted between people in rare cases and after prolonged, close contact. British Columbia's government said on Saturday one Canadian, who had been a passenger on the Hondius, had also tested positive for Hantavirus.

The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had been stranded off Cape Verde, its intended final destination, earlier this month after authorities barred passengers from going ashore due to the outbreak. The WHO and the EU asked Spain to manage the evacuation at the Canary Islands, after which the ship departed for Rotterdam with a skeleton crew and two additional medical staff. Crew, passengers who already left the ship and ⁠people in contact with them have been quarantined in several countries around the world.

As of May 15, there were 10 WHO reported cases, eight confirmed and two probable, including the three deaths. The WHO said on Sunday it was waiting for official updates but that this would make it 11 cases. Local authorities said quarantine facilities had been set up for some of the non-Dutch crew, though it was not clear yet if they would stay there for the full recommended 42-day quarantine period.