Dutch health authorities have confirmed that all 26 passengers evacuated from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship, MV Hondius, tested negative for the virus after arriving in the Netherlands.
The evacuees landed on Sunday night aboard the first repatriation flight from Tenerife, Spain, following growing international concern over the outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged vessel.
The cruise ship had attracted global attention after three people reportedly died during the voyage amid fears surrounding the spread of the Andean strain of hantavirus, a rare variant capable of human-to-human transmission.
According to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, all passengers and crew members on the flight underwent extensive medical examinations immediately after arrival.
“Samples were taken from everyone at the airport for laboratory testing. The test result was negative,” the institute said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The agency added that no traces of the Andean virus were detected in any of the individuals screened.
“This means that no Andean virus was detected in these individuals,” the statement added.
Despite the reassuring results, Dutch authorities said the evacuees would still be required to undergo quarantine in line with public health safety protocols.
Officials explained that continued monitoring remained necessary due to the nature of the virus and concerns over possible delayed symptoms.
Meanwhile, two additional repatriation flights carrying 28 more evacuees from the cruise ship also arrived later in the Netherlands.
Health authorities confirmed that the newly arrived passengers and crew members would equally undergo quarantine and medical screening procedures.
The evacuation operation from the MV Hondius followed international efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus.
The Andean strain of hantavirus has drawn heightened attention from global health agencies because, unlike most hantavirus variants, it is believed to have the potential for transmission between humans.
Authorities, however, continued to stress that the situation remains under close monitoring as investigations and health surveillance continue.
