Infected vessel docks in Holland and crew enters quarantine

Last Monday, the Dutch port of Rotterdam witnessed the arrival of the cruise ship "MV Hondios", which turned into a focus of the outbreak of the deadly hantavirus, as it docked under strict control from the Dutch health authorities. On arrival, the ship carried 25 crew members as well as two medical staff, after all passengers had been evacuated in earlier stages of the stricken voyage. An Associated Press reporter spotted scenes of the crew disembarking wearing Protective masks, while a marine tugboat and a Dutch police boat escorted the ship as it entered port. Dutch authorities confirmed that all crew members would immediately be subject to the mandatory quarantine protocol as a precautionary measure. For its part, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday morning that the level of risk associated with the Hantavirus outbreak would be maintained at a "low-risk" level despite the seriousness of the situation. The organization explained that the re-evaluation The overall risk profile, which was based on the latest available data and information, concluded that the threat to global public health remains within the low range. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the likelihood of the spread of infection will gradually decrease after disembarkation of passengers and the application of strict health surveillance protocols. The ship, operated by the expedition company Ocean Wide Expeditions, was at the top of the news International Airport after three passengers were recorded as having died from infection with the rare Hantavirus. Hantavirus is classified as a rare disease for which no prophylactic vaccines or specific treatments are yet available, further complicating case management. Experts warn that the incubation period of the virus may extend for many weeks, which means that additional cases may appear among the ship's passengers in the coming period, which requires continuous medical follow-up of passengers.