Washington: The United States government has begun airlifting 17 American citizens from the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius after one passenger tested mildly positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus and another developed mild symptoms linked to the infection.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services said both symptomatic passengers are travelling inside specially designed biocontainment units during the evacuation flight to prevent any possible transmission risk. Officials noted that the second passenger has not yet been formally confirmed as infected with the virus.
Health authorities stressed that the overall risk of widespread transmission remains low. Hantaviruses are generally spread through contact with infected rodents, although the Andes strain is considered rare because it can occasionally spread from person to person.
The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has triggered international concern after multiple passengers became ill following the cruise. According to a recent update from the World Health Organization, eight people associated with the vessel have reported symptoms, while six infections have been officially confirmed.
Officials also confirmed that a Dutch couple and a German citizen died after contracting the virus, raising fears about the severity of the outbreak.
The WHO stated that the Andes strain of hantavirus can lead to severe respiratory complications and lung related illness. Medical experts warn that serious cases may prove fatal in up to 50 per cent of infected patients.
The U.S. State Department coordinated the emergency evacuation effort in partnership with federal health agencies. Most American passengers are being transported to the ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where they will undergo medical observation and detailed clinical assessment.
The passenger currently experiencing mild symptoms will be transferred separately to another specialized pathogen treatment facility equipped to handle high-risk infectious diseases.
Federal officials said every evacuated passenger will receive medical evaluation immediately after arrival, while doctors continue monitoring for any additional symptoms or respiratory complications.
Meanwhile, several countries have launched independent evacuation operations for their citizens who were aboard the vessel. Spain and France have already transported passengers home from the cruise ship, which remains anchored near Tenerife.
Authorities from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Ireland are also arranging repatriation flights and health screening measures for their nationals connected to the outbreak.
Global health agencies continue closely tracking the situation as experts investigate the source of the infections and assess whether further containment measures may be necessary.