American Oncologist Leads Response During Hantavirus Crisis on Cruise Ship

Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, an oncologist from Bend, Oregon, took charge during a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, where six people tested positive for the virus. Tragically, one passenger died from a probable case, prompting Kornfeld to lead a medical response as the situation escalated rapidly. The ship's doctor and another staff member are currently in isolation in the Netherlands, while others are hospitalized in South Africa and Switzerland. Fortunately, none of the 17 Americans aboard have tested positive. The ship is expected to reach the Canary Islands on Sunday, where passengers will be flown back to their home countries, with Americans being evaluated in Nebraska without mandatory quarantine.

Key Details: • MV Hondius is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands on Sunday morning. • Passengers will be flown back to their home countries after disembarkation. • Americans will be evaluated at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska. • No mandatory quarantine for the Americans, but they will be monitored for symptoms.