CDC Responds to Hantavirus Outbreak Aboard M/V Hondius Cruise Ship
The U.S. Government is currently monitoring and responding to a hantavirus outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship. While the situation has prompted a high-level medical response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the risk to the general American public remains extremely low.
Medical Evacuation and Quarantine Efforts
The U.S. Government’s primary objective is the safe repatriation of American passengers. To facilitate this, a medical repatriation flight is planned to transport impacted individuals to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. From there, passengers will be moved to the National Quarantine Center at the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
To manage the crisis on the ground, the CDC has deployed a team of medical professionals and epidemiologists to the Canary Islands, where the M/V Hondius is expected to dock. This team is tasked with conducting exposure risk assessments for every American passenger to determine the necessary level of monitoring. A second CDC team will be stationed at Offutt AFB to oversee the public health assessments of returning passengers.
Understanding Hantavirus: Transmission and Risks
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents. People typically contract the virus when exposed to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. While rare, transmission can also occur through a rodent bite or scratch.
There are two primary syndromes caused by these viruses:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Found in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. In the U.S., HPS is most commonly spread by the deer mouse.
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): Found mostly in Europe and Asia, though the Seoul virus—a type of hantavirus that causes HFRS—is found worldwide, including the U.S.
The Andes Virus Exception
While most hantaviruses do not spread between humans, the Andes virus is a notable exception. It is the only known strain capable of person-to-person transmission, though this typically requires close contact and remains rare.
Safder Ganaie, Ph.D., an assistant professor of molecular genetics and microbiology in the University of Florida College of Medicine, notes that there is no concrete evidence of human-to-human transmission for most hantaviruses. Dr. Ganaie emphasizes that the virus is not nearly as airborne as common respiratory viruses like influenza.
Recognizing the Symptoms of HPS
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe and potentially deadly respiratory disease. Symptoms generally emerge one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent and progress in two distinct phases.
Early Symptoms
The initial stage of the illness often mimics the flu and includes:
- Fatigue and fever
- Muscle aches, particularly in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders
- Headaches and dizziness
- Chills
- Abdominal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain
Late Symptoms
Four to 10 days after the initial symptoms appear, patients may enter a more critical phase characterized by:
- Severe coughing
- Shortness of breath
Key Takeaways: M/V Hondius Outbreak
- Current Status: CDC is coordinating the evacuation of Americans from the M/V Hondius in the Canary Islands.
- Repatriation: Passengers are being flown to Offutt AFB and transferred to the National Quarantine Center at the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
- Public Risk: The risk to the general American public is considered extremely low.
- Transmission: Primarily rodent-to-human; the Andes virus is the only strain known to spread person-to-person via close contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch hantavirus from another person?
For the vast majority of hantaviruses, the answer is no. Only the Andes virus has been documented to spread from person to person, and even then, it is rare and requires close contact.
How is the U.S. Government communicating with passengers?
The CDC developed specific health guidance for impacted American passengers, which has been delivered through the U.S. Department of State.
What is the main source of hantavirus in the U.S.?
In the United States, the most common hantavirus causing pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is spread by the deer mouse.