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As of Friday morning, there have been no confirmed hantavirus cases in the United States, offering a hopeful outlook amid a global outbreak that has already claimed three lives, sickened 11 people, and led to numerous quarantines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that extensive testing of patients at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha revealed no new cases. However, the agency continues to monitor 41 individuals across 16 states who may have been exposed to the virus.
Of those under observation, approximately half are isolating at home, while the remainder are receiving care at medical facilities in Omaha, Atlanta, and Kansas City.
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld from Oregon was initially identified as the only American testing positive for hantavirus after being aboard the MV Hondius.
Yet, a subsequent test conducted on the ship returned a negative result. Since returning to the U.S. on Monday, Kornfeld has remained symptom-free.
Officials now believe the initial positive result was likely a false positive, as Kornfeld does not have antibodies indicating prior exposure or infection. Initially treated in a biocontainment unit, he has since been moved to a standard quarantine area along with 15 other U.S. passengers from the cruise.
Additionally, two other passengers are currently receiving treatment at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
With Kornfeld’s test now considered negative, the total confirmed cases stand at 10, including three fatalities. Canadian health authorities are also keeping 36 people-including four cruise passengers-in isolation, though none have shown symptoms to date.
Medical experts caution that despite negative test results, individuals may still test positive later. As a result, the CDC is urging those quarantined in hospitals to complete the full 42-day incubation period for the virus before being released.