Federal health officials announced Sunday that among 17 Americans being evacuated from a luxury cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, one passenger has received a mild positive test result for the Andes strain while another is experiencing mild symptoms.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that all American citizens are being flown back to the United States via airlift, with the two affected passengers traveling in specialized biocontainment compartments aboard the aircraft. Officials noted that the second passenger showing symptoms has not yet received confirmation of infection.
These viruses typically spread through contact with rodents, though person-to-person transmission can occur in uncommon instances. Public health experts emphasize that the likelihood of widespread transmission remains minimal.
According to a Friday update from the World Health Organization, eight individuals no longer aboard the MV Hondius have become sick, with six receiving confirmed diagnoses. The outbreak has claimed three lives: a Dutch couple and one German passenger.
The particular Andes strain detected in this outbreak can lead to serious respiratory complications with mortality rates reaching up to 50% of cases, WHO officials report.
The State Department’s evacuation flight will deliver passengers to the ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center located at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The symptomatic passenger will receive treatment at an additional specialized facility, according to HHS statements.
Upon reaching these medical centers, every individual will receive comprehensive health evaluations and treatment tailored to their specific medical needs, health officials confirmed.
Multiple nations including Spain, France, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Ireland have initiated evacuation efforts for their citizens from the MV Hondius, which remains anchored off Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
