Hantavirus Reaches the Netherlands: 12 Healthcare Workers Quarantined

Twelve employees from the Radboudumc University Medical Center in Nijmegen have been placed in preventive quarantine for failing to adhere to strict protocols during the sampling of a patient infected with hantavirus.

According to a statement released by the hospital on Monday evening, the staff used standard procedures while collecting a blood sample from a patient evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship, disregarding more stringent protocols due to the nature of the virus. Additionally, the patient’s urine was also disposed of in a manner not compliant with international regulations.

The medical center indicated that although the likelihood of infection is low, the healthcare workers will remain in isolation for six weeks. The patient infected with hantavirus is also in quarantine.

Bertina Leheis, president of the Radboudumc board, expressed regret over the incident and assured that it would be thoroughly investigated to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

Meanwhile, the MV Hondius, sailing under the Dutch flag, has started its return to Rotterdam. As part of a large-scale evacuation operation, the last 28 passengers, including citizens from the Philippines, the Netherlands, and Germany, as well as doctors and epidemiologists, have reached Eindhoven Airport via special flights.

According to the World Health Organization, at least seven of those evacuated have tested positive for hantavirus. This rare virus, spread by rodents, has caused the death of three individuals aboard the cruise ship. Although there is no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus, experts note that the risk to the general public is low and cannot be compared to COVID-19.

The cruise ship is expected to arrive in Rotterdam on Sunday, after which disinfection of the vessel will take place.