Eighteen passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, affected by an Andes hantavirus outbreak, were flown back to the United States and placed in quarantine. The passengers had been aboard the expedition cruise ship linked to several cases of the virus, which is capable of limited person-to-person transmission.
Key Takeaways
Eighteen passengers from a luxury cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak were flown back to the United States and placed in quarantine. Health officials emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, as the Andes virus does not spread easily.
The group was transported to U.S. medical facilities for monitoring, with 16 individuals at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and two in Atlanta. One passenger who tested positive for the Andes virus was placed in a biocontainment unit in Nebraska, while another symptomatic passenger was taken to Emory University's biocontainment unit in Atlanta.
Health officials emphasized that the risk to the general public remains very low, as the Andes virus does not spread easily and generally requires prolonged close contact with someone who is symptomatic. The passengers range in age from their late 20s to early 80s and could remain under monitoring for up to 42 days. Officials indicated that passengers may be allowed to leave the medical facility before the end of this period if they remain symptom-free and have access to quick testing or medical care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed seven cases of the Andes hantavirus among passengers on the cruise ship. Experts noted that the virus is usually spread by wild rodents, but the Andes strain can transmit from person to person under specific conditions. The U.S. health officials said they had a CDC team at Tenerife and airplanes ready to take the patients.
The final decision on when passengers can leave quarantine will involve the individuals themselves, with health officials emphasizing a least restrictive approach that protects both the passengers and their communities.
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