Hantavirus Outbreak: US Passengers Evacuated from Ship
A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has led to the evacuation of US passengers. Discover the latest updates on cases and health protocols in place.
Evacuation Details
The MV Hondius cruise ship, recently rocked by a hantavirus outbreak, has arrived in the Canary Islands for passenger evacuation. As of now, 18 US citizens have been repatriated, with 15 being asymptomatic and three in biocontainment due to health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a total of nine cases, including three fatalities.
Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, especially after a new case was identified in a French passenger. The US Department of Health and Human Services initially reported incorrect numbers regarding the repatriated passengers, but this has since been clarified. The evacuated individuals are being housed at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska, where stringent health measures are in place to prevent further spread of the virus.
- Key Facts:
- 147 people were on board the ship.
- 9 confirmed cases of hantavirus.
- 3 fatalities reported.
- 18 US passengers evacuated, including 1 dual citizen.
- 2 individuals transported in biocontainment units.