Hantavirus Daily Report · 18 May 2026

What happened on 18 May

The MV Hondius docked at an enclosed section of the Port of Rotterdam at approximately 10:30 local time, ending a seven-week voyage that began in Argentina. 27 individuals remained on board: 25 crew members and 2 RIVM medical personnel, alongside the body of a passenger who had died at sea. Disembarkation proceeded in a phased and controlled manner with personnel accommodated in a special quarantine area at the port. Local Dutch authorities established quarantine facilities for non-Dutch crew, with the recommended quarantine period of up to 42 days under consideration.

Separately, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed via laboratory analysis at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg that the Canadian Vancouver Island case from 16 May was a true Andes virus positive. The WHO operational cluster count moves to 11 connected cases including this Canadian confirmation. Three additional Dutch contacts who had developed symptoms after airline contact with a confirmed positive were being tested by RIVM and Erasmus MC; two returned negative and one result remained pending. The 26 individuals from the second and third repatriation flights had all tested negative at Eindhoven airbase.

24-hour event log (18 May 06:00 → next day 06:00 UTC)

18 May · 10:30 local

update

MV Hondius docks at Rotterdam for disinfection

Vessel moored at enclosed section of Port of Rotterdam. 25 crew + 2 RIVM medics + body of deceased passenger on board. Phased disembarkation to special port quarantine area. Disinfection estimated 3-4 days. Decision on summer Arctic cruise schedule expected this week.

Source: Reuters / France 24 / Dutch RIVM

18 May · 08:00

confirmed

Canada case LAB-CONFIRMED via NML Winnipeg

Public Health Agency of Canada confirms presumptive case from 16 May is now laboratory-confirmed via National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. WHO operational cluster count moves to 11 confirmed connected cases. Patient and spouse remain hospitalized on Vancouver Island.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada / ITIJ

18 May

update

RIVM tests 3 Dutch flight contacts; 2 negative, 1 pending

RIVM and Erasmus MC tested 3 Dutch individuals who developed symptoms after aircraft contact with a confirmed positive case. 2 results negative, 1 still being analyzed. Municipal Health Service GGD continues monitoring.

Source: RIVM Netherlands

18 May

resolved

All 26 passengers from 2nd/3rd repatriation flights test NEGATIVE

All 26 passengers and crew from the second and third Eindhoven repatriation flights tested negative for Andes virus per RIVM. Eindhoven airbase screening complete.