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Cruise Passenger in Nebraska Biocontainment Unit Amid Hantavirus Outbreak

KVIA•Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 12:44 AM•CNN

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Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, a passenger on the MV Hondius cruise, is currently isolated in a biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after testing positive for Andes hantavirus. His situation follows an outbreak on the ship, which has resulted in three deaths and several confirmed cases among passengers and crew. As of now, 122 individuals have been evacuated, with ongoing monitoring of 17 Americans and one British dual-national for symptoms. The World Health Organization has confirmed 11 cases related to the cruise, emphasizing that the risk to the general public remains low. Passengers are facing weeks of isolation as health officials conduct assessments and interviews to track the virus's spread.

Key Details: • Dr. Kornfeld is in a biocontainment unit; results of confirmatory tests are pending. • Three passengers have died, and 11 cases of hantavirus have been reported among those on the ship. • 122 people have been evacuated, with ongoing monitoring for those in quarantine. • The remaining crew and medical professionals are sailing to Rotterdam for disinfection.

health cruise outbreak quarantine hantavirus

People & Organizations

Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusWorld Health OrganizationAtlantaHHSRotterdamOceanwide ExpeditionsJake RosmarinMV HondiusOmahaDr. Stephen KornfeldUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center

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