Individuals in three U.S. states are currently under observation for possible hantavirus infections linked to a cruise ship involved in a recent outbreak.
During the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, three people—a couple from the Netherlands and a German national—lost their lives. In total, eight individuals, including a Swiss citizen, are believed to have contracted the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that five cases have been confirmed as of Wednesday.
The cruise line mentioned that 29 passengers disembarked on April 24, shortly after the ship’s first reported death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Wednesday that U.S. travelers are being monitored; however, they noted that the risk to the broader American public appears to be very low at this point.
According to reports, people in California, Georgia, and Arizona are under surveillance for potential infections, though none have displayed any symptoms so far.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is monitoring two residents who recently returned from the cruise, as highlighted by Reuters. Arizona health authorities are also observing one individual, but none of these individuals are exhibiting signs of illness.
Out of the five confirmed hantavirus cases, one has resulted in death. The causes of the other two fatalities have not yet been definitively linked to the virus. Interestingly, two of the confirmed cases were among three patients transported to the Netherlands on Wednesday for medical treatment.
One of the evacuated patients shows no symptoms but had close contact with a passenger who passed away on May 2 and is currently being tested.
Authorities are actively trying to locate passengers who left the ship prior to the reports of the outbreak.
Officials from the Netherlands indicated that approximately 40 passengers disembarked in St. Helena, but many of their current locations remain unknown. There is a report of a French citizen having interacted with someone who fell ill, yet they are not showing any symptoms.
The cruise ship has received clearance to continue and has set sail from Cape Verde towards Spain’s Canary Islands, a journey expected to take three to four days, according to Oceanwide Expeditions. Despite the objections raised by local officials, Spain’s health minister is reaffirming plans for the ship to dock in Tenerife.
Hantavirus is generally transmitted to humans through contact with rodent droppings, saliva, or urine. It can lead to serious respiratory issues and has the potential to be fatal. Human-to-human transmission is uncommon, but the patients on the cruise ship tested positive for the Andes strain, which can spread between individuals.
