Oncologist's Journey: Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, an oncologist, has been cleared from a biocontainment unit in Nebraska after a cruise ship hantavirus outbreak. Initially isolated after inconclusive nasal swab results, Kornfeld has now joined others for monitoring. WHO reported 11 cases linked to the cruise globally, with three deaths.

An oncologist at the center of a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has been freed from a biocontainment unit in Nebraska. Dr. Stephen Kornfeld of Bend, Oregon, was the only American placed in isolation after aiding sick passengers.

Kornfeld, among more than 120 evacuated passengers and crew, was brought to the University of Nebraska Medical Center after a nasal swab produced inconclusive results. He has now been cleared to join 15 other Americans in monitoring at the National Quarantine Unit.

As the first hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, WHO reports 11 global cases including three fatalities. The cruise ship's passengers are advised to continue quarantine. Kornfeld, initially experiencing flu-like symptoms, now reports no symptoms.