One of the 17 Americans evacuated from a cruise ship amid a hantavirus outbreak has tested positive for the illness, while another individual is exhibiting 'mild symptoms,' confirmed the Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday night.
The first confirmed case of hantavirus among those evacuated this weekend from the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius marks a significant development in the ongoing outbreak.
The two passengers displaying symptoms are being transported in the biocontainment units of the aircraft, as per HHS.
The aircraft was scheduled to arrive in Omaha, Nebraska, early on Monday, where the Americans will initially be taken to the University of Nebraska to evaluate whether they have had close contact with any symptomatic individuals and to determine their risk levels for transmitting the virus.
Each of the 17 Americans will receive clinical assessments and care tailored to their condition, stated HHS.
A medical tent was established to accommodate the passengers, with health officials donned in full-body protective gear.
A World Health Organization investigation is currently in progress to determine the source of this outbreak, with a specific focus on a birdwatching excursion in southern Argentina, which the first passenger to succumb to the illness participated in prior to boarding the cruise.
