One of the 17 American passengers evacuated from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak has tested mildly positive for the virus, the US Department of Health and Human Services reported on Sunday.
Details of the Positive Cases
The department stated that one passenger currently has mild symptoms, and another passenger tested mildly PCR positive for the Andes virus. Both individuals traveled in the aircraft's biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution.
Transportation to Specialized Facilities
Officials confirmed that the passengers are being transported to a specialized facility in Nebraska, while the individual showing mild symptoms will be shifted to a separate center. The health agency added that upon arrival, each person will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition.
Evacuation from Canary Islands
The American passengers were evacuated from Spain's Canary Islands, where the cruise ship had docked, and landed at Eppley Airport in Omaha on Monday at around 2:30 am local time (0730 GMT), as reported by several US media outlets, including CNN.
Previous Outbreak on MV Hondius
Three passengers aboard the MV Hondius have died, while several others have fallen ill due to the rare rodent-borne disease. The outbreak has raised concerns about the spread of hantavirus, which is transmitted through contact with rodents or their droppings.
The US Department of Health and Human Services continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with local health authorities to ensure the safety of all passengers and prevent further transmission.
