An American oncologist who became the cruise ship‘s de facto head doctor spoke to ABC News about a hantavirus outbreak. After the doctor on the cruise ship MV Hondius contracted the hantavirus, one American doctor onboard jumped into action to help passengers navigate the outbreak.
Oncologist Takes Charge
Stephen Kornfeld, an oncologist from Bend, Oregon, told ABC News that he quickly realized he was leading the response to a full-blown medical crisis on board the cruise ship. Dr. Steve Kornfeld is shown in this undated file photo. Dr. Kornfeld spoke with ABC News while aboard the M/V Hondius. The ship’s unidentified doctor was among the six people onboard who tested positive for the virus.
First Death and Worsening Cases
One passenger, who had a probable case, died onboard. Kornfeld said that within 24 hours after he stepped in, one of the patients died and the other two were getting progressively sicker, and then the first news of hantavirus came out. The ship’s doctor and a ship’s guide who tested positive are under isolation in the Netherlands.
Hospitalizations and Fatalities
A British man who tested positive is hospitalized in South Africa. A Swiss man who tested positive is hospitalized in Switzerland. A Dutch woman who tested positive died on April 26 in South Africa. A German woman who tested positive died on May 2.
American Passengers Safe
None of the 17 Americans onboard the boat have tested positive for the virus as of Saturday afternoon. The boat is slated to arrive at the Canary Islands Sunday morning where the passengers will disembark and be flown back to their home countries.
Teamwork Amid Crisis
Kornfeld, who went bird watching while on the cruise, told ABC News that the whole ship came together to get through the crisis. Kornfeld said that there were a lot of people helping and working, and it really felt like a team. Kornfeld said that these people have started to become my family.
Doctor’s Health and Relief
The doctor said that while he is feeling a little vulnerable he is in good health. Kornfeld said that days have gone by and nobody’s having symptoms, and he knows very soon he will have access to very, very good medical care, which is a sense of relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who became the de facto head doctor on the MV Hondius during the hantavirus outbreak?
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, an American oncologist from Bend, Oregon, became the de facto head doctor after the ship’s doctor contracted hantavirus.
How many people onboard the MV Hondius tested positive for hantavirus, and what were the outcomes?
Six people tested positive, including the ship’s doctor. One passenger with a probable case died onboard. Additionally, a Dutch woman died on April 26 in South Africa, and a German woman died on May 2.
Did any of the 17 American passengers on the MV Hondius test positive for hantavirus?
No, none of the 17 Americans onboard tested positive for the virus as of Saturday afternoon.
