A luxury cruise meant to be a dream getaway turned into a nightmare for American Dr. Stephen Kornfeld and fellow passengers aboard the MV Hondius, as an outbreak of hantavirus wreaked havoc on the ship. The journey began in Argentina, with passengers anticipating memorable experiences, but the situation took a grim turn when a Dutch couple fell ill after a birdwatching excursion at a landfill. Tragically, the 70-year-old husband succumbed to the virus on April 11, followed by his wife on April 24. Dr. Kornfeld, finding himself in an unexpected role as the ship’s doctor after the onboard medic was also affected, recounted the chaos to CNN. As of now, eight passengers have tested positive for the virus, with three fatalities reported. Dr. Kornfeld is among 17 Americans marooned on the vessel, which is currently sailing towards Tenerife in the Spanish Canary Islands.
Doctor says illness spread rapidly among passengers
The alarming situation prompted action from Janelle Bynum, Dr. Kornfeld’s congresswoman in Oregon, who is advocating for his swift return to the United States. Dr. Kornfeld described the swift deterioration of conditions on the ship, noting that within 12 to 24 hours, it was evident that multiple people were seriously ill. As the hantavirus, known for its approximately 40 percent mortality rate, spread rapidly, panic ensued among passengers exhibiting confusion, weakness, and other severe symptoms. Kornfeld explained that the ship’s doctor, along with two others, became critically ill, experiencing high fevers, fatigue, and respiratory issues. He emphasized the virus’s potential to escalate from serious to critical conditions in a short span.
Congresswoman Bynum has expressed her frustration with the US government’s response, criticizing the Trump administration for what she perceives as a failure to protect American citizens stranded at sea. After conversations with Dr. Kornfeld and learning about the plight of other Americans aboard, Bynum asserted that they have been abandoned in their hour of need. She lamented the absence of guidance and support for their safe repatriation. In an open letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya, Bynum highlighted the lack of urgency in addressing the crisis, despite the outbreak being publicly reported four days prior. She also released a video urging the White House to devise a concrete plan for the safe return of the passengers, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure their health and safety.
Health officials fear wider spread
The hantavirus outbreak has sparked panic among health officials over the potential for the deadly virus to spread, after it emerged that dozens of passengers were allowed off the ship without being informed of the risks. Following the deaths of the Dutch couple last month, a German woman died from the virus on May 2. At least two more victims are in critical condition in hospitals in South Africa and Switzerland, and health officials are monitoring dozens more people who left the ship or may have come in contact with the infected across the globe. Hantavirus can have an incubation period of over a month before patients begin showing symptoms, leading to fears that infection rates could skyrocket if the virus is not monitored effectively. Kornfeld said he is relieved that those already showing symptoms were able to get off the ship and are receiving treatment, noting that hantavirus can be catastrophic if it gets out of control. ‘What happens with hantavirus, ultimate survivability is really dependent on your ability to get critical care at the right time. On the boat, that would not be possible,’ he said.
Amid claims that the cruise ship failed to contain the deadly virus before letting passengers disembark, Turkish vlogger Ruhi Cenet (pictured) shared footage of captain Jan Dobrogowski reassuring passengers after the first Dutchman died . The captain was seen in footage holding a briefing with passengers to share the news that the man had died on April 11, but he said that the death was due to ‘natural causes’ and there was no threat to others. ‘Tragic as it is, it was due to natural causes, we believe,’ Dobrogowski said. ‘And also whatever health issues he was struggling with, I’m told by the doctor, were not infectious, so the ship is safe when it comes to that.
‘The ship is safe. This gentleman, unfortunately, succumbed to natural causes. And like I say, we do what we can in order to continue in a safe and dignified way.’ Cenet slammed the captain for failing to realize the gravity of the situation. ‘It turns out we were not well informed,’ he told NBC News. In response to Cenet’s video, the ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said it was ‘aware’ of the announcement. ‘We want to provide clarity on this video,’ the company said. At the time the captain spoke to passengers, the firm said: ‘The cause of death of this individual was unknown.’ ‘No other symptomatic individuals were present on board. At the time of the announcement, no evidence of a virus or contagion was present on the vessel. The case was believed to be isolated following medical review.’ The company added that ‘proper procedure was followed in informing all guests and crew aboard MV Hondius. ‘Health and safety and maritime standards regarding the proper management and reporting of a death while at sea were followed.’ Pictured: Captain Dobrogowski.
