Amsterdam: Twenty-one Filipino crew members from the cruise ship MV Hondius, recently associated with a hantavirus scare, are currently under quarantine in Amsterdam, as confirmed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac announced during a press briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport that these seafarers are under continuous monitoring by the Philippine embassy, led by Ambassador Ed Malaya, along with Labor Attach© and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer. Coordination teams from Manila, including officials from the DMW, Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Foreign Affairs, are closely observing the situation.

The entire 38-member Filipino crew has tested negative for hantavirus after the ship lost three passengers to the virus. However, as a precautionary measure, all crew members are mandated to complete a 42-day quarantine period. The remaining 17 crew members are still aboard the vessel, en route to Rotterdam, where they will disembark on May 18 and undergo isolation.

Cacdac reassured that there are medical protocols in place, mentioning a World Health Organization (WHO) doctor on board who is providing guidance. The WHO has reported 11 cases related to the outbreak, which include eight confirmed, one inconclusive, and two probable cases, with three fatalities among them.

Despite the scare, Cacdac emphasized that all Filipino seafarers on MV Hondius remain asymptomatic and have consistently tested negative for the virus. The quarantine measures are being implemented in line with international health protocols, and Cacdac remains hopeful that the negative testing status will continue.