An American doctor, Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, stepped up to manage a medical crisis on the cruise ship MV Hondius after the ship’s doctor and several others contracted the hantavirus. The outbreak led to the death of one passenger and the isolation of others in various countries. Despite the challenges, Dr. Kornfeld and the ship’s crew worked together to support each other through the ordeal. Fortunately, none of the 17 Americans on board tested positive for the virus. The ship is set to arrive at the Canary Islands, where passengers will disembark and return to their home countries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control plans to evaluate the Americans in Nebraska, though no quarantine is required. Dr. Kornfeld expressed relief at the prospect of receiving good medical care soon.
QUESTION: How might experiencing a crisis like this on a cruise ship change the way people think about travel and health precautions?
Hantavirus: American oncologist who became cruise ship’s de facto head doctor speaks
