Tenerife: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that 38 Filipino crew members aboard the MV Hondius will undergo a mandatory 42-day quarantine in the Netherlands following cases of hantavirus that resulted in the deaths of three passengers on the Dutch-operated cruise ship. Despite testing negative for hantavirus, the seafarers will adhere to the quarantine protocols to ensure their safety.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a joint virtual media briefing with Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ezzedin Tago, Cacdac detailed that the MV Hondius comprises 38 Filipino crew members. Of these, 24 are engaged in steward or hotel work, and 14 serve as deck and engine staff. The ship is currently anchored at Tenerife's port of Granadilla in the Canary Islands, with plans for disembarkation and transportation of the crew to the Netherlands for quarantine.
Cacdac provided a timeline for the crew's transfer, stating, "For today, there will be four disembarked and transported to the airport and flown to the Netherlands for quarantine. Tomorrow, another 20 will be flown, that's a total of 24. The balance of 14 seafarers will be sailing toward Rotterdam, navigating the ship to the Netherlands."
Upon arrival at Rotterdam, the Filipino seafarers will commence their quarantine. If they remain symptom-free after the six-week period, arrangements will be made for their return to the Philippines. The initial hantavirus infections were reportedly contracted by two foreign passengers during a birdwatching trip in South America before boarding the ship.
Herbosa emphasized that the Filipino crew members have tested negative for the virus, stating, "Negative sila. We'll just watch them for 42 days in the Netherlands." He reassured the families of the crew that they will continue receiving their salaries and benefits during the quarantine period.
Highlighting the rarity of hantavirus in the Philippines, Herbosa explained that the disease is typically associated with exposure to rodents. The Andes variant, prevalent in South America, can spread through close human contact, unlike the African variant, which primarily requires rodent exposure. With a high mortality rate of 30 to 50 percent, hantavirus primarily affects the lungs, causing severe pneumonia and respiratory complications.
Cacdac announced that the DMW would reassess health and safety protocols for Filipino seafarers on cruise ships. Although current conditions adhere to international standards and WHO guidelines, the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council aims to discuss the MV Hondius case to consider additional protective measures. Herbosa clarified that mandatory hantavirus screening for overseas Filipino workers is not recommended due to the virus's rarity and non-endemic status in the Philippines.
Philippine diplomats in the Netherlands will continue to monitor the condition of the Filipino crew throughout their quarantine, ensuring their well-being and safety.
