CDC Defends Hantavirus Response After 3 Deaths as 18 Americans Remain Under Monitoring
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · May 12
CDC Defends Hantavirus Response After 3 Deaths as 18 Americans Remain Under Monitoring
6 articles · Updated · CBS New York · May 12
Jay Bhattacharya said the CDC has tracked the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak for weeks and sees a public threat far below COVID-19, arguing daily alarm would be inappropriate.
At least 3 people have died and 10 cases are confirmed or suspected in the rare outbreak, which involves the Andes strain that can spread person to person only through prolonged close contact.
Eighteen U.S. passengers from the ship are being monitored at medical facilities in Nebraska and Georgia, while the CDC says it is coordinating with state agencies, the WHO and foreign governments.
Chuck Schumer attacked Trump administration cuts to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program, but Bhattacharya said he has seen no outbreak-response gap in his 2 1/2 months leading the agency.
Looking beyond the cruise ship, Bhattacharya said the U.S. is prepared for potential disease outbreaks during the June-July World Cup hosted with Mexico and Canada.
What failures allowed a rodent-borne illness to break out on a modern cruise ship?
After a deadly cruise outbreak, are AI and drills enough to protect millions at the World Cup?
How can a virus with 50% mortality be considered a 'low risk' to the public?