U.S. monitoring hantavirus cruise passengers; dozens left ship after 1st death

U.S. and international health authorities are monitoring passengers who left the MV Hondius before the cruise-ship hantavirus outbreak was fully recognized.

WHO said on May 7 that eight cases have now been reported, including three deaths, and that it is coordinating with multiple countries under the International Health Regulations. The agency identified the virus as Andes virus and said the wider public-health risk remains low.

AP reported that more than two dozen passengers left the ship on April 24 without contact tracing after the first death on board. Other reports put the number at about 40, but all agree that a substantial group departed before the outbreak was confirmed.

The earlier WHO outbreak notice, published on May 4, described seven cases, including three deaths. It said two cases were laboratory confirmed and five were suspected at the time.

Reuters and other outlets later reported that the CDC said the United States is closely monitoring U.S. travelers who were on the ship. CBS News reported that several U.S. states are also tracking exposed residents as part of the follow-up.

The main concern now is whether any of those passengers will develop symptoms during the incubation period and whether additional cases will be identified as tracing continues across countries.