Eighteen Americans Return After Hantavirus Mv Hondius Flight

Eighteen Americans from the hantavirus mv hondius returned to the United States on Sunday, and one of the passengers tested positive for hantavirus. Another American on the same repatriation flight showed symptoms and flew to Atlanta.

Jim Pillen on Omaha Arrangements

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said there is a "strong plan" in place and that "no-one who poses a risk to public health is walking out the front door onto the streets of Omaha." The comments came as more than 90 passengers from the MV Hondius are being repatriated.

The ship is docked in Spain's Canary Islands while the return operation continues. A French national from the ship also tested positive for hantavirus, adding to a case count that already includes three passengers who died after travelling on the vessel.

WHO Says Global Risk Remains Low

Two of the three passengers who died are confirmed to have had the virus, including a Dutch couple and a German woman. The World Health Organization says human-to-human spread is possible, but the risk of infections globally remains low.

Dr Olivier le Polain said further new cases could emerge in coming weeks because of the virus's long incubation period rather than ongoing community transmission. That means health officials are still watching for late cases among passengers who have already left the ship and among those still in the repatriation process.

For the 18 Americans who returned Sunday, the immediate issue is isolation and follow-up after the flight, especially for the passenger in Atlanta and the one who tested positive. The next confirmed public update is likely to come from the health officials managing the repatriation and the monitoring of anyone who traveled on the vessel.