ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: Authorities at the Dutch port of Rotterdam prepared quarantine arrangements on May 18 for the remaining 23 crew members and two medical staff of a luxury liner at the center of an outbreak of hantavirus.

The Dutch ship MV Hondius was carrying about 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries when several people became seriously ill with breathing problems. This was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2.

Since the outbreak began, three people — a Dutch couple and a German man — have died.

Earlier this month, the ship was stranded near Cape Verde after authorities refused passengers permission to go ashore due to the illness. The WHO and the European Union asked Spain to handle an evacuation in the Canary Islands. After that, the ship sailed to Rotterdam with only a small crew and two extra medical staff.

Local officials said quarantine facilities were arranged for some non-Dutch crew members, but it is unclear if they will stay for the full recommended 42 days. The ship itself will also be disinfected.

Hantavirus usually spreads through rodents, but in rare cases it can pass between people after close, long contact. The illness can take up to six weeks to show symptoms.

Passengers, crew members who left the ship, and people who were in contact with them have been quarantined in several countries.

This outbreak involves the Andes strain of the virus, which has existed in Argentina and Chile for many years. Tests show the virus has not changed significantly.

On May 15, the WHO updated the number of cases to 10 (down from 11 after one U.S. case tested negative). Out of these, eight are confirmed, and two are suspected, including the three deaths.

The WHO advises monitoring and quarantining high-risk contacts for 42 days, while low-risk contacts should watch for symptoms and seek medical help if needed.