Hantavirus Cases Among Cruise Ship Passengers: Update on Evacuations
As of this afternoon, two American passengers infected with hantavirus from a recent cruise have been transferred to a specialized treatment center in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). One of them shows mild symptoms and both traveled in a biocontainment unit.
The outbreak originated aboard the biocontainment unit cruise ship M/V Hondius, which had been docked in Spain’s Canary Islands. Various countries have deployed flights to repatriate their citizens. HHS also reported that 18 U.S. passengers were sent home, one more than previously mentioned. This additional passenger, a dual U.S.-British citizen working at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, was among the group that returned.
“All residents at both facilities will undergo clinical evaluations and receive the necessary care and support,” an HHS announcement stated.
Earlier this morning, American passengers infected with hantavirus from the M/V Hondius arrived back in the U.S., with one testing “mild PCR positive” for the virus and another displaying symptoms. The luxury cruise ship had docked in the Canary Islands. Reports indicate that the repatriation flight landed at around 2:30 a.m. ET.
Upon arrival, 17 of these passengers were sent to a treatment center in Omaha, Nebraska. Two additional passengers were transported in a separate biocontainment unit, a precautionary measure. Those experiencing symptoms will be relocated as necessary.
“One passenger is currently displaying mild symptoms while another has tested mildly positive for the Andean variant of the virus,” the health authorities disclosed.
“After arriving at their respective facilities, each individual will receive a comprehensive clinical assessment,” they added.
According to health officials, three individuals—a Dutch couple and a German—have died since the ship left Argentina in April, and several others have become ill. Meanwhile, French authorities have repatriated five nationals, with one passenger on their flight also exhibiting symptoms.
“We will issue a decree to implement quarantine measures for close contacts to safeguard public health,” French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced.
Hantaviruses typically spread through exposure to rodent droppings, and the strain responsible for this outbreak, Andesvirus, is the only known variant capable of human-to-human transmission. However, health experts maintain the risk to the general public is low.
“While the risk from this virus remains low, it’s vital that international collaboration continues to ensure everyone’s safety, including that of the passengers from the M/V Hondius,” noted United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that symptoms may take four to 42 days to manifest after exposure, and the virus can lead to severe hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Notably, the CDC estimates that 38% of those who develop respiratory symptoms could die from this disease. Despite the lack of a specific treatment, they encourage early intervention through supportive care.
“Given that person-to-person transmission of the Andes virus requires close and prolonged contact, the likelihood of further spread remains low,” Canadian health officials stated, adding information about six Canadians who were also onboard the ship.
In a recent interview, Dr. Jay Bhattacharyya, a director at the National Institutes of Health, emphasized that the current hantavirus situation is not as critical as previous public health crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
In summary, while vigilance is necessary, authorities are working diligently to manage the situation. More updates will follow as they become available.
