Munich, May 22 – Good news has emerged regarding the hantavirus incident linked to the cruise ship ‘Hondius’: the second contact person has been discharged from the Munich clinic, though their quarantine period is not yet over. The individual will continue their isolation at home under close supervision by authorities.
Second Contact Person Leaves Clinic, Continues Home Quarantine
Following the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship ‘Hondius’, the second contact person involved has now also been permitted to leave the hospital. The woman will continue her quarantine at home, effective immediately, under the strict supervision of health authorities.
The transfer from the clinic took place on Friday, May 22. This decision was based on a medical assessment by specialists at the Munich Clinic, in coordination with Bavaria’s Task Force for Infectiology. “The relocation occurred on Friday due to the expert assessment of the Munich Clinic specialists in consultation with Bavaria’s Task Force for Infectiology,” stated the Bavarian State Office for Food Safety and Health (LGL) and the hospital upon inquiry.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the affected individual is a 65-year-old woman who had close contact with a German woman who died on board the ‘Hondius’. Bavarian authorities, citing privacy concerns, did not provide further details about the person’s identity.
No Symptoms, Health Department Takes Over Care
The woman continues to show no signs of hantavirus infection. Her care is now being managed by the competent health department. Authorities have ensured a “closely monitored care network” for the home quarantine, it was reported.
The contact person had been admitted to the Munich Clinic Schwabing on May 13, 2026. A first contact person had already been released to home quarantine on May 15, and has also shown no symptoms to date. Authorities remained silent on details of both individuals for data protection reasons.
How Long Will the Quarantine Last?
Both contact persons must remain in quarantine until the incubation period has elapsed. For hantavirus, this period – the time between potential infection and the onset of the first symptoms – typically lasts about two weeks, according to experts. However, it can vary between seven days and up to six weeks.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) considers home quarantine “fundamentally possible” – provided that the overall circumstances allow it. This approach aims to balance public health safety with the comfort and well-being of individuals who are not displaying symptoms but are under observation.
The ongoing monitoring by health authorities ensures that any potential development of symptoms would be promptly identified and managed, preventing further spread of the virus. The careful coordination between medical professionals and public health officials underscores the commitment to containing the outbreak and safeguarding public health.
Source: tz.de
