• One American passenger from the MV Hondius tested mildly positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus while another evacuated US passenger is experiencing mild symptoms
• The infected passengers are being flown to specialised treatment centres in Nebraska
• The World Health Organization has confirmed six hantavirus cases connected to the cruise ship outbreak

One of 17 American citizens evacuated from the hantavirus-hit luxury cruise ship, MV Hondius, has tested mildly positive for the Andes strain of the virus, while another passenger is showing mild symptoms, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

The Americans were repatriated from the Spanish Canary Islands, where the cruise ship had docked following an outbreak that has already claimed three lives and left several passengers ill.

In a statement released on Sunday, May 10, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that “one passenger currently has mild symptoms and another passenger tested mildly PCR positive for the Andes virus.”

Health officials added that both passengers were being transported in the aircraft’s biocontainment units “out of an abundance of caution” as the evacuation flight headed to the United States.

The passengers are expected to arrive at specialised treatment centres in Nebraska, including the ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

The passenger showing symptoms will be transferred to a second specialised facility for further monitoring and treatment.

“Upon arrival, each person will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition,” the department said.

The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has raised global concern after the World Health Organization confirmed that six passengers contracted the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly virus commonly spread by rodents. Authorities said eight people connected to the ship had fallen ill.

The WHO noted that the Andes strain can trigger severe respiratory complications and may be fatal in up to 50 per cent of cases.

Unlike most hantaviruses, the Andes strain can, in rare cases, spread from person to person.

Among the fatalities linked to the outbreak are a Dutch couple and a German national.

The MV Hondius is currently anchored near Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, while several countries continue evacuation efforts for their citizens.

Spain and France have already repatriated passengers, while Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States are also arranging emergency returns for affected nationals.

Health authorities, however, stressed that the overall risk of widespread transmission remains low.

Lassa fever hits Oyo with 5 cases, 1 death as government activates emergency response

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Oyo State Government had confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever, recording five cases and one fatality, while assuring residents that swift measures are in place to curb its spread.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, revealed that all confirmed cases are currently receiving care at designated isolation facilities, including the state’s Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo and the University College Hospital isolation unit.

Residents were advised to maintain clean environments, avoid contact with rodents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or bleeding appear.