United States health authorities have confirmed that one of the Americans evacuated from a cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak has tested positive for the rare virus.
The US Department of Health and Human Services disclosed on Sunday that the passenger showed a mild positive result for the Andes strain of hantavirus, while another evacuee was also experiencing mild symptoms.
According to the department, both passengers are being transported in specialised biocontainment units “out of an abundance of caution.”
The affected Americans were among 17 US citizens repatriated from the cruise ship, MV Hondius, after it docked in the Spanish Canary Islands amid reports of infections onboard.
Health officials said the evacuees would be taken to a specialised medical facility in Nebraska for clinical evaluation and monitoring, while the symptomatic passenger would be transferred to another treatment centre.
Authorities added that all returnees would undergo medical assessments upon arrival and receive appropriate care depending on their condition.
The outbreak has raised concerns after three passengers aboard the vessel reportedly died from complications linked to the disease, while several others also fell ill.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, droppings or saliva.
Health experts say symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to severe respiratory complications in serious cases.
