An American who was not aboard the cruise ship struck by a hantavirus outbreak is feared to have contracted the virus, health officials reported. The man, from Winnebago County, Illinois, is thought to have become infected after exposure to rodent droppings while cleaning. Officials do not believe he contracted the Andes strain linked to the cruise ship outbreak, but rather a North African variant of hantavirus that is not known to spread between people.
Separate Infection, Different Strain
The man’s case appears unrelated to the ongoing outbreak on the Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius. According to officials, the suspected North African variant differs from the Andes strain responsible for the cruise ship cases. The Andes virus is a strain of hantavirus thought to be able to spread between people, raising concerns about person-to-person transmission in that cluster.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is conducting further testing to confirm the exact strain. Final results are expected to take up to 10 days. Meanwhile, the man remains under close medical monitoring, though he experienced only minor symptoms and did not require hospital treatment. His condition is improving normally, authorities said.
Deadly Cruise Ship Outbreak
The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius has so far killed three people. The fatalities include:
- A 70-year-old Dutch passenger who died on April 11.
- His 69-year-old wife, who died weeks later; posthumous testing confirmed hantavirus infection.
- A German national who died on board in early May.
The outbreak left several others sick after passengers aboard the ship were infected with the Andes strain. The World Health Organization has identified 11 confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases connected to the cruise ship outbreak. In response, on Sunday and Monday, authorities carried out a large-scale evacuation and repatriation effort. Roughly 150 passengers were removed from the ship and arranged flights back to their home countries. Among those aboard are 17 Americans, though their health status was not detailed.
Ongoing Monitoring and Testing
Health officials continue to monitor both the cruise ship outbreak and the separate suspected case in Illinois. The CDC’s involvement underscores the seriousness of hantavirus infections, which can cause severe respiratory illness. For now, the American patient’s mild symptoms and improving condition offer some reassurance, but final test results are awaited to confirm the diagnosis and strain.
Authorities urge anyone who may have been exposed to rodent droppings to seek medical advice and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms develop. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as testing concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the American from Winnebago County, Illinois, likely contract hantavirus if he wasn’t on the cruise ship?
He is thought to have become infected after exposure to rodent droppings while cleaning, and officials believe he carries a North African variant not known to spread between people.
How many people have died in the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship?
Three people have died: a 70-year-old Dutch passenger on April 11, his 69-year-old wife weeks later, and a German national on board in early May.
What is the status of the American suspected of having hantavirus, and what testing is being done?
He experienced only minor symptoms, did not require hospital treatment, and is improving normally. The CDC is conducting further testing, with final results expected in up to 10 days.
