Twelve hospital workers in the Netherlands have been placed in preventive quarantine for six weeks after failing to follow strict personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols when treating a patient infected with the hantavirus. The patient was medically evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been at the centre of a health emergency.
PPE Protocol Violation
Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc) confirmed on Monday that its staff had not adhered to the most up-to-date international regulations when handling the blood and urine of the infected individual. Blood was initially processed using standard safety precautions, but due to the nature of the virus, a stricter procedure was required. Additionally, the disposal of the patient's urine did not follow proper protocols.
Preventive Measures
Despite the low risk of actual infection, the 12 healthcare workers will remain in isolation for six weeks as a precaution. The hospital stated that staff will receive full support during this period. Dr Bertine Lahuis, chair of the Radboudumc board, expressed regret over the incident, emphasising that a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent future occurrences.
Background of the Outbreak
The patient is one of three individuals evacuated from the MV Hondius, which was docked off Cape Verde. Another patient was admitted to Leiden University Medical Centre, while a third, who tested negative for hantavirus, was taken to a hospital in Germany. The outbreak on the Dutch-flagged vessel resulted in three deaths, including two from Friesland in the Netherlands and a German woman. The remaining passengers were finally allowed to disembark on Monday after weeks of uncertainty.
Radboudumc had earlier assured the public that appropriate isolation measures were in place. However, the recent breach has prompted a careful review of procedures to ensure compliance with international standards.
