17 Filipinos Isolated in Netherlands Post Hantavirus Outbreak

Photo courtesy of Philstar

Seventeen Filipino crew members from the vessel MV Hondius have been quarantined in the Netherlands after a hantavirus outbreak. They arrived at Eindhoven Airport on May 12 from Spain's Canary Islands. Medical tests were conducted upon arrival, and the crew was moved to local quarantine facilities.

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This group is part of a larger evacuation effort. Previously, four crew members arrived on May 10 and entered quarantine. An additional 17 are expected to arrive in Rotterdam on May 17, bringing the total to 38 Filipinos awaiting repatriation to the Philippines. The duration of the quarantine and exact repatriation details are still pending.

The Philippine Embassy is coordinating with Dutch authorities for the safe return of the crew. Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands, J. Eduardo Malaya, expressed gratitude to the Dutch government for their management of the situation. The Netherlands worked closely with the Philippines and other countries involved, demonstrating stringent health protocols throughout the process.

The quarantine period is set to last six weeks due to noticeable hantavirus cases aboard the MV Hondius. The World Health Organization confirmed nine infections related to the ship. This extensive quarantine is a necessary cautionary measure to prevent further spread.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Philstar · 12 May 2026