- An outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and five illnesses, with 17 Americans evacuated to a quarantine facility in Omaha and seven others returning to five states.
- Acting CDC Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya downplayed public concern, saying "This is not Covid" and emphasizing that hantavirus does not spread easily, urging against panic.
- Public health experts criticized the CDC for being "missing in action" and "empty and vapid" in its response, questioning its effectiveness in international health crises.
- The hantavirus, which caused the outbreak starting last month, is spread by inhaling contaminated residue of rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people.
- The criticism of the CDC's role follows recent controversies, including chaotic firings and re-hirings of staff within the agency under the Trump administration.
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