The United States is closely monitoring its citizens who were aboard a luxury cruise ship struck by a hantavirus outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident on the MV Hondius has tragically resulted in three deaths – a Dutch couple and a German national – with eight individuals, including a Swiss citizen, suspected of contracting the virus, according to the World Health Organization.
Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents, and human-to-human transmission is considered uncommon.
The State Department is spearheading a comprehensive, coordinated effort.
“The Department of State is leading a coordinated, whole-of-government response including direct contact with passengers, diplomatic coordination, and engagement with domestic and international health authorities,” the CDC stated.
The agency added that the risk to the American public remains extremely low at this time.
Meanwhile, residents in at least three US states are under observation for potential hantavirus infections after disembarking from the MV Hondius, though none have exhibited symptoms, as reported by The New York Times earlier on Wednesday.
Georgia is monitoring two residents, while California is tracking an undisclosed number of its citizens who were also on the vessel.
The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed in an emailed statement that it is monitoring two residents who have returned home. Both individuals are currently in good health, show no signs of infection, and are adhering to current CDC recommendations.
Similarly, the Arizona Department of Health Services stated it is monitoring one resident passenger who is not symptomatic. The California Department of Public Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
