The United States is closely monitoring American passengers aboard a luxury cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on 6 May.

The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, where three people, a Dutch couple and a German national, have died, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Eight additional cases are suspected, including a Swiss citizen.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents, and human-to-human transmission is considered extremely rare.

“The Department of State is leading a coordinated, whole-of-government response including direct contact with passengers, diplomatic coordination, and engagement with domestic and international health authorities,” the CDC said.

The agency added that the risk to the American public remains “extremely low”.

Cases across U.S.

According to reporting, health authorities in at least three U.S. states are monitoring passengers who were aboard the vessel, though no infections have been confirmed.

• Medics race to evacuate people from luxury cruise ship after suspected hantavirus outbreak as three confirmed dead

In Georgia, health officials said they are monitoring two residents who returned from the cruise and remain in good health with no symptoms. Arizona authorities said they are tracking one asymptomatic passenger.

The California Department of Public Health has not confirmed how many residents are under observation but said it is also monitoring potential cases.

The CDC said it is continuing to coordinate with domestic and international health agencies as the situation develops.

Read more:

• Hantavirus explained: What WHO says about the rare but deadly virus
• Argentinian authorities reconstructing journeys of luxury cruise passengers who presented with hantavirus symptoms

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