THE HAGUE, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The likelihood of the hantavirus spreading in the Netherlands remains very low, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said on Monday.
The hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius arrived at the Dutch port of Rotterdam on Monday for disinfection, concluding a voyage that had attracted the attention of international health authorities.
According to Oceanwide Expeditions, the vessel's Dutch operator, 27 people are currently on board, including 25 crew members and two medical personnel.
"These people will disembark in a phased and controlled manner. They will be accommodated in a special quarantine area in the port of Rotterdam," RIVM said in a statement.
"The municipal health service is in daily contact with the passengers. They will need to monitor their health. If symptoms develop, they can receive medical care quickly and with the appropriate precautions," RIVM added.
Upon the vessel's arrival, the health authority began inspection and the collection of samples at the port of Rotterdam. "The ship will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected," RIVM said.
Cleaning crews are required to use personal protective equipment to ensure safe working conditions. RIVM said the measures are intended to prevent further infections and allow the ship to return to service safely.
According to the World Health Organization's latest assessment, the public health risk for those aboard the cruise ship is moderate, while the risk remains low at the global level.
