The cruise ship at the center of a global hantavirus scare is set to resume voyages this month, now featuring bird watching as a highlight. The MV Hondius triggered a health emergency last month when 13 passengers contracted hantavirus, resulting in three fatalities. The outbreak was believed to have originated from two passengers who went bird watching at a landfill site in Ushuaia, Argentina, where they may have been exposed to infected rodents.
Deep Cleaning and Clearance
Following the outbreak, the ship underwent a thorough deep cleaning by a team of 13 biosecurity experts. Dutch health authorities cleared the vessel on May 30, declaring it rodent-free and safe for operations. Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that all eight decks were treated and the ship met health standards.
First Voyage Post-Outbreak
The MV Hondius will now sail to Longyearbyen, Norway, the world's northernmost permanently inhabited town, for a 7-night North Spitsbergen Explorer cruise. The itinerary focuses on Arctic wildlife, including seabird colonies, glaciers, ice caps, seals, and polar bears. Prices range from £5,000 for a shared room to £14,000 for a Grand Suite.
All crew members from the previous voyage are in quarantine, and the new crew has no contact with quarantined individuals. Oceanwide Expeditions stated that the virus was introduced before embarkation and did not originate from the ship.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses spread through contact with infected droppings, saliva, or urine. Human-to-human transmission is rare but occurred on this cruise. The incubation period ranges from two days to eight weeks. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues, progressing to severe lung or kidney conditions. There is no cure, and the disease can be fatal.
Passenger Details
Initially, 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries were aboard. Dozens disembarked on St. Helena on April 24. The remaining 22 British nationals took a charter flight home and were advised to isolate for up to 45 days.
