German Hantavirus cruise passengers cleared from quarantine

German health authorities announced that the remaining passengers from the MV Hondius who have been under home isolation may leave quarantine in the coming days. The ship, operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, experienced an outbreak of the Andes‑type hantavirus during a cruise that began in Argentina. About 150 travellers from 23 nations were on board; three people died and several others fell ill.

For Germany, the quarantine of a passenger from Heilbronn ends this weekend, while a second passenger from Mittelsachsen will be released shortly. Two contacts in Bavaria remain asymptomatic and are also nearing the end of their isolation. The measures follow World Health Organization guidance, which had recommended monitoring ship‑borne cases until 21 June.

Investigations into the source of the infection continue. Argentine officials set traps in Tierra del Fuego and Mendoza but have not captured the rodent species typically carrying the virus. The cleaned vessel has resumed expeditions, and crew members are expected to return home after completing their quarantine.