US Passengers Under Quarantine Following Possible Hantavirus Exposure
Eighteen American passengers evacuated from the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius after potential exposure to hantavirus are being closely monitored by health authorities. Officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains "very, very low."
One passenger aboard the MV Hondius has tested positive for the Andes virus, a rare hantavirus strain, while another passenger is exhibiting mild symptoms. The cruise ship, currently docked in Spain's Canary Islands, is repatriating more than 90 passengers.
This confirmed positive case represents the first involving an American passenger. Two individuals are being monitored in Atlanta, Georgia, and 16 others are quarantined in Nebraska at the nation's only national quarantine unit.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen stated at a Monday morning press conference, "No-one who poses a risk to public health is walking out the front door onto the streets of Omaha."
To manage space at the Nebraska facility, some passengers, including the one with mild symptoms, were transported to Atlanta, according to Brendan Jackson of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The two individuals in Georgia include the symptomatic passenger and their partner.
Admiral Brian Christine of the US Health and Human Services department (HHS) clarified, "Let me be crystal clear: the risk of hantavirus to the general public remains very, very low. The Andes variant of this virus does not spread easily, and it requires prolonged close contact with someone who is already symptomatic."
Details on the Andes Virus and Passenger Conditions
Experts note that most hantavirus strains, which are rodent-borne, do not transmit from person to person. However, the Andes strain identified in several passengers from the Dutch cruise ship is an exception and can spread between humans.
Michael Wadman, medical director of the National Quarantine Unit, reported that the 16 passengers quarantined in Nebraska are in "good shape" and "good spirits." The individual who tested positive for the Andes virus is housed in a biocontainment facility and is currently asymptomatic.
The CDC cautioned that the presence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate hantavirus infection, as even mild cold-like symptoms are considered. Brendan Jackson emphasized that the monitoring approach is precautionary.
Questions arose regarding the term "mildly positive" used to describe one individual's PCR test result. Jackson explained that the specimen was collected aboard the ship, not in the United States, and that two samples were taken from the patient—one positive and one negative.
Jackson elaborated, "With these PCR tests... there's sort of a range in where they can fall. And so for that reason, we just want to make sure there's further testing to evaluate that."
Ongoing Monitoring and Quarantine Measures
Health officials are concentrating on symptom monitoring. Wadman noted that passengers in Nebraska will undergo further assessment after rest and sleep.
Passengers are expected to remain at the Nebraska facility for several days for evaluation. Officials will decide individually if the full 42-day quarantine period is necessary.
Canadian Passengers' Status
Among the six Canadian passengers aboard the ship, four have returned to British Columbia after boarding a chartered flight from Tenerife. These individuals hail from British Columbia or the Yukon and have not exhibited symptoms but will self-isolate for at least 21 days as a precaution. The Public Health Agency of Canada indicated the isolation period could extend to 42 days, consistent with the hantavirus incubation period.
Two other Canadians, a couple residing in Ontario, are self-isolating at home. Health Minister Sylvia Jones reported on Monday that neither has developed symptoms.
Additional Cases and Fatalities
Three fatalities have been reported following the outbreak on the MV Hondius, including two cases confirmed by the World Health Organization to involve hantavirus.
Two British nationals receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa have confirmed hantavirus infections. Additionally, a British-US dual national is currently quarantined in Nebraska.
