The MV Hondius, a luxury cruise ship that triggered global alarm after a deadly hantavirus outbreak, is set to end its voyage on Monday, docking at the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands between 10 a.m. and noon local time.

The remaining skeleton crew of 27 people — 25 crew members and two medics — will be quarantined upon arrival. The Dutch-flagged vessel began its South Atlantic journey from Argentina on April 1, carrying about 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries.

Three deaths have been reported from hantavirus, which is transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. The virus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a severe and sometimes fatal lung infection.

Disembarking passengers include 17 from the Philippines, four from the Netherlands, four from Ukraine, one from Russia, and one from Poland. Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship's operator, stated that everyone on board remains asymptomatic and is closely monitored by the two medics.

Some crew will stay in quarantine facilities at the port, while others will self-isolate at home. It is unclear if the full recommended 42-day quarantine will be observed. The body of a German woman who died during the voyage is also on board.

The ship was previously stranded off Cape Verde and later diverted to Tenerife, where over 120 passengers were evacuated. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on May 12 that there is no sign of a larger outbreak, but the virus's incubation period of up to six weeks means more cases could emerge.

Source: www.dw.com