No Hantavirus Cases Reported in the U.S. Amid Global Outbreak
As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that there are no known cases of hantavirus in the United States. This brings a sense of relief as the world grapples with an outbreak that has claimed three lives and left ten others unwell, prompting quarantines.
The latest information comes after thorough testing of patients at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The CDC is, however, keeping a close eye on at least 41 individuals across 16 states who may have been exposed to the virus. Half of these people are currently isolating at home, while the others are being monitored in hospitals—specifically in Omaha and Kansas City.
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, who was onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, was the only American to initially test positive for hantavirus. However, a second test conducted on the ship returned negative results, and Dr. Kornfeld has shown no symptoms since returning home.
Testing aboard the ship is believed to have produced a false positive. Further tests have indicated that he does not have antibodies for hantavirus, meaning he likely wasn’t exposed to the virus at all. Following his return, Dr. Kornfeld has been moved to a quarantine unit along with 15 other passengers who were also on the voyage.
In addition, two other passengers were treated at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta but have since been relocated to the Nebraska facility as well.
The total number of reported cases now stands at 10, including three fatalities. Of these, eight have been confirmed through lab tests, while two additional cases are still considered suspected, according to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He mentioned in a recent press conference that there have been no new cases since May 2, emphasizing that the global health risk remains low.
In Canada, health officials are also monitoring 36 individuals, including four passengers from the cruise ship. So far, none exhibit symptoms. Doctors have warned that even with negative tests, there’s a possibility of later positive results, which is why the CDC advises those quarantined in hospitals to remain under observation for the virus’s full incubation period of 42 days.
Meanwhile, 27 people remain on the MV Hondius as it makes its way back to the Netherlands, with an expected arrival on Monday.
