Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring a hantavirus outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship. The CDC states that the risk to the general American public remains extremely low.
The CDC has developed health guidance for American passengers affected by the outbreak, which is being distributed through the U.S. Department of State. CDC infectious disease experts are working with international partners to provide consistent guidance on monitoring, to be shared with state and local health departments.
The U.S. government is prioritizing the safe repatriation of American passengers. Plans involve evacuating them via a U.S. government medical repatriation flight to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by transfer to the National Quarantine Center at the University of Nebraska for monitoring and assessment.
To support these efforts, the CDC has sent a team of epidemiologists and medical professionals to the Canary Islands, where the cruise ship will dock. This team will assess each American passenger's exposure risk and advise on appropriate monitoring. Another CDC team is stationed at Offutt Air Force Base to assist with the public health evaluation of returning passengers.
More information about hantavirus and this outbreak is available on the CDC’s website.