American passengers from a cruise ship experiencing a hantavirus outbreak in the Atlantic Ocean have returned to the United States. Reports indicate that one person tested “mildly positive” for the virus, while another exhibited symptoms.
The affected passengers disembarked from the Dutch-registered luxury ship M/V Hondius, which docked in the Canary Islands, Spain, on Sunday. Special repatriation flights were arranged for them.
According to media sources, these American passengers have since landed back in the U.S., with the plane arriving at approximately 2:30 a.m. ET on Monday.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mentioned that the 17 American passengers were transferred to a specialized treatment facility in Omaha, Nebraska. Additionally, two individuals were placed in a biocontainment unit on the aircraft as a precautionary measure. Those who may develop symptoms will be relocated to another area for further care.
“Each person will receive a clinical evaluation upon arriving at the facility and appropriate care based on their condition,” HHS stated on Sunday evening.
Kayla Thomas, representing the Nebraska Health Network, suggested that the individuals who tested positive at that point showed no symptoms. However, late Sunday, a report indicated another passenger had mild symptoms, according to U.S. health officials.
Sadly, three individuals—a Dutch couple and a German—lost their lives since departing from Argentina in early April, and several others have fallen ill.
Five French nationals were also evacuated to their home country and are undergoing strict isolation and testing. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that one passenger exhibited symptoms while traveling back.
“We’ll be implementing quarantine measures for close contacts starting tonight to safeguard public health,” Lecornu announced on Sunday.
The hantavirus is typically spread through contact with rodent droppings. The current outbreak involves the Andesvirus, noted as the only strain capable of human-to-human transmission. Yet, health officials maintain that the general public’s risk remains low.
“While the public health risk from the virus is considered low, international collaboration is essential to secure the safety of all involved, especially those on the M/V Hondius,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The CDC underlined that symptoms can take 4 to 42 days to manifest post-exposure, and the virus is known to cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which can be fatal.
“Nearly 38% of those who experience respiratory symptoms may not survive the disease,” the CDC explained.
Though there isn’t a specific treatment, the CDC advises that supportive care—like hydration and symptom management—is crucial. They stress early intervention, given the fast progression of symptoms.
The spread of the virus generally requires close contact with infected individuals. The Public Health Agency of Canada echoed this sentiment, indicating minimal risk to the broader population.
“Given that human transmission of the Andesvirus necessitates prolonged close contact, the chances of further infection spreading are low,” noted the agency, which also mentioned six Canadians were aboard the ship as it left South America.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharyya, acting director of the CDC, stated in a CNN interview that the hantavirus situation does not compare to the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing ongoing monitoring efforts.
