Hantavirus Outbreak: Cruise Passengers Test Positive

Five passengers from a cruise ship that experienced a hantavirus outbreak tested positive for the virus, leading to evacuation efforts. The ship, which set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, in April, had nearly 150 passengers and crew members.

Health Minister Stefani Rist reported that three passengers, including a Dutch couple and a German woman, fell ill with mild symptoms. The US Health Department confirmed that 17 American passengers were evacuated, with some not requiring quarantine.

The World Health Organization assessed the global public health risk as low compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. Repatriation operations involved 94 individuals from 19 different nations, with Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia announcing the evacuation from Tenerife, Spain.

The ship is expected to depart for the Netherlands after refueling. Health officials are monitoring contacts and implementing a 42-day quarantine protocol for those affected.