This page will be updated as soon as new, relevant information becomes available. Radboudumc will not disclose any further information about the patient or staff members for privacy reasons. Other questions from the media may be submitted via Media@radboudumc.nl.
*** Update 3 June, 12 p.m. ***
One of the employees in quarantine will be tested more frequently and more extensively in the coming period as part of the existing active monitoring program. This means testing twice a week instead of once a week. Additionally, multiple samples will now be tested.
The reason for this is that the employee received one test result that was assessed as “weakly positive” by external laboratories. In contrast, the results of multiple tests subsequently performed using various bodily samples were negative for hantavirus. The employee has no symptoms of illness.
Multiple negative test results and the absence of symptoms are not consistent with an active hantavirus infection. All other employees in quarantine have tested negative for hantavirus so far.
*** End of update ***
*** Update 26 May, 5 p.m. ***
Radboudumc is launching an investigation into its work processes related to the hantavirus. This follows the possible exposure of 12 colleagues to the hantavirus during the admission of the patient from the cruise ship Hondius. Through this investigation, the medical center aims to determine how this risk to staff arose and what lessons can be learned and improvements made to prevent a recurrence in the future.
Approach and investigation team
The investigation covers the entire process, from the preparations for the patient’s admission to the moment the affected employees went into quarantine. The investigation team consists of four experienced internal experts and medical microbiologist Prof. Jan Kluytmans, who serves as an external expert and chair. In addition to contributing substantive expertise, the chair ensures that the investigation is conducted carefully and transparently.
Follow-up
The investigation report is expected in a few weeks. No substantive statements regarding any findings will be made during the investigation.
*** End of update ***
*** Update 20 May, 6 p.m. ***
The patient infected with the hantavirus was discharged from Radboudumc on Wednesday, May 20, and will remain in self-isolation. This is in accordance with the guidelines issued by the National Coordination Center for Infectious Disease Control (LCI) of the RIVM.
*** End of update ***
*** Update 11 May, 9 p.m. ***
Radboudumc admitted a patient infected with hantavirus on Thursday, May 7. The patient comes from the Dutch cruise ship Hondius.
Staff placed in preventive quarantine as a precaution
At the time of admission, blood was drawn from the patient. This blood was processed according to the standard procedure. Due to the nature of the virus, this blood should have been processed according to a stricter procedure.
In addition, it became clear on Saturday (May 9) that the most up-to-date international regulations had not been applied when disposing of the patient’s urine. Due to the nature of the virus, the urine should have been disposed of according to a stricter procedure.
Because of these circumstances, twelve employees will go in preventive quarantine for six weeks as a precaution, despite the fact that the chance of infection is small.
Ensuring patient care runs smoothly
“Despite the fact that the chance of actual infection is very small, these measures have a major impact on all those involved. We regret that this happened in our umc. We will carefully investigate the course of events to learn from this so that it can be prevented in the future,” said Bertine Lahuis, Chair of the Executive Board of Radboudumc.
“Of course, we will ensure that the colleagues involved receive all the support they need. We have great appreciation for their commitment, and that of their colleagues, to ensure that care for the patient runs smoothly. In the meantime, our umc stands ready to admit any new patients should this be necessary.”
*** End of update ***
*** Update 7 May, 3 p.m.***
The RIVM has confirmed that the hospitalized patient has the hantavirus. The patient has been informed of this.
*** End of update ***
*** Original message ***
Radboudumc has admitted a patient who may be infected with the hantavirus. The patient is from the Dutch cruise ship Hondius. In the ward where the patient has been admitted, appropriate isolation measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus, in accordance with internationally agreed protocols. The team is specialized and trained in the care of patients with severe infectious diseases.
Visiting Radboudumc
Patients and visitors are not at risk of infection at our medical center. No special precautions are necessary when you visit us.
More information on the hantavirus can be found on the website (in Dutch) of the RIVM.
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