US Doctor Initially Positive for Hantavirus Tests Negative, Cites False Positive

Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, an American physician who initially tested positive for hantavirus while aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, has subsequently tested negative. Medical experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's biocontainment unit determined that the initial result was likely a false positive, stating there is no serological evidence of previous exposure or infection. Dr. Kornfeld, who experienced flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, cough, and sore throat, reported feeling physically and emotionally well. He attributed his illness to a common viral infection rather than hantavirus. Despite the negative results, he remains in quarantine in Nebraska alongside other asymptomatic passengers from the cruise for monitoring purposes, acknowledging he is still within the potential incubation period. The incident occurred following a hantavirus outbreak on the ship that resulted in at least one fatality. Officials continue to monitor 41 individuals across the US connected to the voyage. Dr. Kornfeld emphasized his confidence in the new results while adhering to isolation protocols to ensure public safety.