MANILA: The 38 Filipino crew members of MV Hondius, who are quarantined in the Netherlands, have tested negative for hantavirus, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
In a press conference on Sunday (May 24) evening, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed the status of the Filipino seafarers, who will remain under quarantine until June 18.
“The mood is positive as they have all tested negative of the hantavirus,” Cacdac said.
According to the DMW, the seafarers “remained asymptomatic” and are being closely monitored for clearance by Dutch health authorities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) previously confirmed two cases of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, as well as three deaths caused by the virus.
According to the Department of Health, hantavirus causes flu-like symptoms and may resemble dengue fever. There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments for the virus. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
