“FIRST POSITIVE CASE ON U.S. SOIL.” The HHS has confirmed that one of the two passengers transported in biocontainment units has tested “weak positive” via PCR for the Andes virus. This marks the first recorded instance of a U.S. citizen contracting this specific virus during the shipboard outbreak, sparking immediate concerns regarding cross-contamination within the cruise ship’s confined spaces. The patient is currently being treated at the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (RESPTC) at the University of Nebraska to ensure zero pathogen leakage into the community. 📌 Full medical updates and details in the comments.

1 American returning from hantavirus-stricken cruise showing symptoms, another US passenger postive: HHS

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An American passenger returning to the US from the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for the deadly virus, while a second is showing mild symptoms, health officials said.

The two passengers will fly inside biocontainment units during a repatriation flight to bring all 17 US passengers from the luxury cruise liner to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on Sunday evening.

A medical isolation unit covering a hospital bed, with attached gloves for interaction and monitors nearby.
An American passenger returning to the US from the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for the virus, with a second passenger also showing mild symptoms, according to authorities.ABC News

One of the passengers has tested “mildly PCR positive” for Andes virus — which already claimed the lives of three passengers aboard the ship and sickened several others.

The other passenger is currently exhibiting mild symptoms. It is not yet known whether they have been tested for the rodent-borne virus.

“As of now, the airlift will transport passengers to the ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska before taking the passenger with mild symptoms to a second RESPTC at its final destination,” the HHS said.

Upon arrival at each facility, each passenger will undergo a clinical assessment and receive the appropriate care and support based on their condition.A team wearing yellow hazardous materials suits walks down a hallway.

One of the passengers has tested “mildly PCR positive” for the Andes virus, which has already claimed the lives of three passengers aboard the ship and sickened several others.ABC News

The World Health Organization has recommended a 42-day isolation period for the passengers of the ill-fated vessel. A staggering 38% of those who get respiratory symptoms from the disease die, according to the CDC.

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