WHO keeps evaluation of hantavirus as 'low risk' as ship approaches end of voyage

The World Health Organization said connected Sunday (May 17, 2026) it was maintaining its appraisal of the hantavirus outbreak arsenic "low risk" arsenic the cruise vessel wherever the outbreak originated approached the Netherlands.

"The nationalist wellness hazard has been reassessed with the astir existent accusation available, and the planetary hazard remains low," said a WHO statement.

"While further cases whitethorn inactive hap among passengers and unit members exposed earlier containment measures were implemented, the hazard of onward transmission is expected to beryllium reduced pursuing disembarkation and the implementation of power measures," it added.

The MV Hondius is expected to dock successful the Dutch larboard of Rotterdam betwixt 10:00 a.m. and midday connected Monday, according to officials, earlier disembarking the 27 remaining radical connected board: 25 unit and 2 aesculapian staff.

The ship, operated by Dutch institution Oceanwide Expeditions, made headlines aft 3 passengers died from hantavirus -- a uncommon microorganism for which nary vaccines nor circumstantial treatments exist.