Hantavirus Outbreak Count Revised: US Case Deemed False Positive, Cases Slip to 10

World health officials announced a revision to the hantavirus outbreak tally on the cruise liner MV Hondius after a U.S. case proved to be a false positive.

hantavirus outbreak case count adjusted

The WHO’s May 13 report listed ↓ 1 fewer infections, dropping from 11 to 10 cases. The disputed American case involved Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, a physician who stepped in when the ship’s doctor fell ill.

“We collected nasal swabs in early May and sent them to two labs in the Netherlands. One returned a negative, the other a faint positive,” Kornfeld told CNN.

U.S. health authorities initially marked the result as “mildly positive,” while the WHO labeled it “inconclusive.” Subsequent review confirmed the negative outcome, prompting the correction.

For broader context on how such revisions echo past health crises, see our analysis of the recent pandemic response. Further details were covered by Reuters and AP News.

Dispatch from: Dr. Silas Mercer

Biotech & Longevity Editor