health
What Happened on the Hantavirus Cruise, According to a Doctor On Board
A passenger helped manage the outbreak after the ship’s doctor on the MV Hondius fell ill.
TL;DR
- Medical oncologist Stephen Kornfeld, a passenger on the MV Hondius, became the de facto doctor on board when multiple individuals fell ill with suspected hantavirus.
- At least eight people contracted suspected or confirmed hantavirus, resulting in three deaths, with the Andes virus strain capable of person-to-person transmission.
- Kornfeld, an experienced birder, utilized his medical skills, with support from crew and remote guidance from global health professionals.
- The ship's medical facilities were limited, but Kornfeld used available resources and personal protective equipment to manage patients.
- Medical evacuations occurred, and strict containment protocols, similar to COVID-19, were implemented on the ship.
- Despite the health crisis, passengers maintained a degree of optimism, and Kornfeld continued some birdwatching activities.