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Eighteen Americans under observation after possible hantavirus exposure
Eighteen U.S. citizens evacuated from a cruise ship are being monitored at two leading medical facilities following potential exposure to hantavirus, federal health authorities reported Tuesday.
Current status of passengers
Sixteen individuals are isolated at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska, the country's sole federal quarantine facility. The remaining two, including one showing mild symptoms, were transferred to Atlanta for evaluation, according to Brendan Jackson of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One passenger has tested positive for hantavirus without displaying symptoms, while another exhibits mild symptoms. Health officials emphasized that the public risk remains minimal.
Health officials emphasize low public risk
Admiral Brian Christine of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated, "The risk of hantavirus to the general public is very, very low." He noted that the Andes strain, which can spread between humans, requires prolonged close contact with a symptomatic individual.
Most hantavirus strains, typically carried by rodents, do not transmit between people. However, the Andes variant is an exception.
Passenger conditions and next steps
Michael Wadman, medical director of the National Quarantine Unit, described the 16 passengers in Nebraska as being in "good shape" and "good spirits." The asymptomatic passenger who tested positive is housed in a biocontainment facility.
Passengers will undergo further assessment after rest, with officials determining whether a full 42-day quarantine is necessary on a case-by-case basis. The CDC clarified that symptoms resembling a mild cold could prompt monitoring but do not confirm infection.
Additional cases and international response
Two California residents on the cruise are among those monitored in Nebraska, while two others have returned to the state symptom-free. California health officials confirmed no local cases of hantavirus.
Of the six Canadians aboard, four have returned to British Columbia and are self-isolating for at least 21 days. Two others, a couple in Ontario, are also isolating at home without symptoms. The Public Health Agency of Canada may extend isolation to 42 days based on the virus's incubation period.
Three fatalities have been linked to the outbreak, including two confirmed hantavirus cases reported by the World Health Organization. Two British nationals are receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa, while a British-U.S. dual citizen remains in quarantine in Nebraska.
Background on the outbreak
The MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged vessel carrying approximately 150 passengers, departed Spain's Canary Islands on Monday en route to the Netherlands. Nine confirmed hantavirus cases have been reported globally in connection with the voyage.
