WASHINGTON, D.C. – Officials said 18 Americans on board the cruise ship that has been hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak were evacuated and brought back to the US. Most have been taken to a Nebraska quarantine unit. Officials said the virus’ risk to the public is “very low”.
Passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius were flown home to more than 20 countries over the weekend where their country’s health officials said they will be quarantined and closely monitored.
“Last night with the coordination with federal agencies and in partnerships with state officials, HHS supported the Department of State in a repatriation of 18 US citizens from the MV Hondius,” said John Knox with HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
Videos show the passengers dressed in full body PPE arriving at quarantine units in Georgia and Nebraska.
“The passengers here at UNMC are going to receive nothing but world class care,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen.
According to officials three people on board the ship have died from the hantavirus. The CDC said hantavirus is a family of viruses that come from contact with rodents. Officials said symptoms show within one to eight weeks after contact. US health officials said on Sunday one of the 18 Americans evacuated from the ship tested positive for the hantavirus, but they are not showing any symptoms.
Officials also said other US passengers on the ship who had disembarked earlier before the outbreak was identified and are being monitored in several states.
“There’s been contact made with all of those passengers who returned,” said Dr. Brendan Jackson with the CDC. “The state’s health department has been monitoring them on their symptoms and temperature checks. They have plans in place to make sure they can isolate effectively.”
The outbreak on the ship has made international headlines and triggered COVID-19 concerns. Health officials are trying to calm fears.
“Let me be crystal clear: the risk of hantavirus to the general public remains very, very low,” said Dr. Brian Christine with HHS.
