18 Americans Being Monitored for Hantavirus as Cases Reach 9 Globally

The death toll from the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship stands at three people, while at least nine cases have been confirmed globally. All 125 passengers from 23 countries have now been evacuated, and 18 people in the United States are under active medical monitoring. The World Health Organization says it sees no sign of a larger outbreak, but warns more cases may emerge in the weeks ahead.

3 Dead, 9 Cases Linked to the Ship

Three people have died since the outbreak began in early April. The first two victims were a Dutch couple believed to have contracted the Andes virus during a birdwatching trip through Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay before boarding the ship. A German woman developed symptoms on April 28 and died on May 2, becoming the third fatality. Her body remains on board the Hondius as it sails to Rotterdam for disinfection.

As of Monday, the World Health Organization confirmed a total of 9 hantavirus cases; 7 confirmed and 3 deaths. Spain confirmed its first case on Tuesday: a Spanish national who developed fever and shortness of breath is currently stable. The CDC's Health Alert Network issued a formal advisory stating the public health risk in the United States "is considered extremely low at this time."

Where the Americans Are Now