The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified a hantavirus outbreak as a “Level 3” emergency and activated its operations centers, though officials say the risk to the general public remains low.

The outbreak stems from the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship en route to the Canary Islands, where eight suspected cases have been confirmed, including three deaths. Three patients were evacuated from the vessel while in West African waters off Cape Verde, while others disembarked at Saint Helena on April 24 without knowing they had been exposed.

Six American passengers were among those who left the ship at Saint Helena. State health agencies are monitoring residents in Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and Virginia, though none are currently showing symptoms. Texas officials said two residents have agreed to monitor their temperature daily.

The outbreak has spread beyond the ship’s passengers. A British man is being treated in South Africa, while a Swiss hospital admitted an expedition guide after he left the vessel. The UK’s Health Security Agency announced an additional suspected case on Tristan da Cunha, where the ship briefly stopped in mid-April.

The Andes hantavirus strain involved carries a 40% mortality rate. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has also activated its response, deploying a health task force official to the ship.

President Trump said Thursday he had been briefed on the situation and expected a full report on Friday, telling reporters the outbreak appeared “under control.” The State Department is coordinating a whole-of-government response with international health authorities and diplomatic partners.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that more cases may emerge as monitoring continues.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)