CDC activates Level 3 hantavirus response: What it means

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated a Level 3 emergency response for hantavirus after an outbreak on the cruise ship MV *Hondius*, which has docked in Spain’s Canary Islands for evacuations. The WHO and CDC confirm eight suspected cases, including three deaths—a 70-year-old Dutch man (April 11), his 69-year-old wife (April 26), and a German woman (May 2)—while a British passenger remains in critical condition in South Africa. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had 30 passengers disembark in Saint Helena, including six Americans, while over 140 passengers and crew remain on board. The U.S. and UK are sending planes to repatriate citizens, with Spain providing medically equipped aircraft for symptomatic travelers. Authorities emphasize the virus spreads only through close contact with rodent urine or feces, posing minimal risk to the general public. The CDC’s 24/7 emergency center is monitoring American passengers who returned home, while the ship’s doctor and three others were evacuated on Wednesday. National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya stated the U.S. prioritizes the health of affected travelers, though transmission requires direct exposure. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, briefed on the situation, described it as ‘under control,’ though no further cases have been confirmed since the evacuations. Spain’s emergency services are coordinating with global health agencies to manage the outbreak, which originated near Saint Helena. The WHO has not declared a broader public health emergency, but the CDC’s response reflects ongoing efforts to contain the virus. Passengers awaiting evacuation face delays, with other countries yet to announce repatriation plans.