Health officials in at least five U.S. states are monitoring former passengers of the MV Hondius following a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship. The vessel, which was sailing from Cape Verde toward Spain's Canary Islands with approximately 150 people, continues to carry 17 Americans.
According to the World Health Organization, there have been two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected cases of hantavirus among the passengers and crew, resulting in three deaths and one patient in critical condition.
The outbreak was identified on May 2, roughly one week after 30 people disembarked at St. Helena. While the first known passenger fell ill on April 6 and died on April 11, the situation was not officially recognized until later.
Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions stated that six Americans were among those who left the ship at the British Overseas Territory on April 24.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has notified health agencies in Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas, and Virginia regarding residents who were aboard the ship. State health departments have confirmed monitoring efforts:
In Arizona, the Department of Health Services reported informing officials of one resident who was a passenger on the vessel.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is monitoring two Georgia residents who returned home after disembarking.
Texas health officials stated they are monitoring two former passengers who returned to the United States and are not experiencing symptoms.
The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring one traveler from the state who is currently in good health under public health monitoring. Officials noted that fewer than five other potentially exposed Virginians might be identified soon.
California officials confirmed they were contacted by the CDC regarding California residents on the ship but did not disclose the number of individuals involved.
Rep. Janelle Bynum has called on the Trump administration to repatriate and support the 17 Americans remaining on the vessel. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya, Bynum described the situation as a dangerous and deteriorating public health situation.
Bynum requested information regarding specific actions taken by the federal government to aid those on board, including plans for medical attention and a timeline for their return to the United States.
