Eighteen Americans are under medical observation after possible exposure to a rare and deadly hantavirus on a Dutch cruise ship. Health officials insist the risk to the general public remains 'very, very low.'
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, currently docked in Spain's Canary Islands. One passenger has tested positive for the Andes virus, a rare strain of hantavirus that can spread from person to person. Another passenger is showing mild symptoms.
More than 90 passengers from the ship are being repatriated. In the US, 16 individuals are at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska, the nation's only such facility. Two others, including the symptomatic passenger and their partner, were flown to Atlanta to preserve capacity.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen confirmed Monday that no one posing a public health risk is out in the community. Officials say the Andes virus requires prolonged close contact with a symptomatic person to spread.
Three people have died following the outbreak, including two confirmed by the World Health Organization to have had hantavirus. Two British nationals with confirmed cases are being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa. A British-US dual national is under quarantine in Nebraska.
The person who tested 'mildly positive' had one of two specimens come back positive, prompting further testing. The 16 passengers in Nebraska are reported to be in good spirits as they undergo symptom monitoring.
Officials will decide on a case-by-case basis whether a full 42-day quarantine will be required.