A hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch cruise ship Hondius has risen to 10 confirmed cases, including three deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more confirmed infections could emerge in the coming days, but stressed that it does not necessarily indicate a widening outbreak.
He added that investigations into the origin of the outbreak and the chain of transmission are still ongoing.
The Dutch government said the Hondius is expected to arrive at the Port of Rotterdam next Monday. There are currently 25 crew members and two medical personnel on board, coming from the Netherlands, Ukraine, Russia, Poland and the Philippines.
After the vessel docks, Dutch nationals on board will undergo home quarantine, while non-Dutch crew members who are unable to immediately return to their home countries will be placed in temporary isolation facilities. In line with WHO recommendations, they will remain under quarantine observation in the Netherlands for six weeks.
The Rotterdam municipal government and relevant agencies are preparing quarantine arrangements, baggage transfers and disinfection procedures ahead of the ship's arrival.
Dutch public health authorities will conduct a comprehensive inspection and assessment after the vessel is fully disinfected to determine whether the Hondius can resume operations.
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