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Al Roker Faced Hantavirus Scare After Daughter's Wedding
13 May
Summary
- Al Roker was asked to voluntarily test for hantavirus upon returning from Europe.
- The CDC is investigating a hantavirus outbreak originating on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
- Three passengers died and five were infected by the virus on the cruise ship.
Television personality Al Roker disclosed on Tuesday's Today show that he underwent voluntary testing for hantavirus upon returning from Europe, where he attended his daughter's wedding. Roker expressed uncertainty about the reason for the testing, suggesting it might have been a precautionary measure.
His revelation coincides with an ongoing hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. The highly contagious, rodent-borne virus has led to three passenger fatalities and infected five others. The ship, which had been sailing in the Atlantic, docked in the Canary Islands on May 9.
Passengers from the MV Hondius were subsequently evacuated via military and government aircraft. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, primarily via their urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness (HPS) or kidney problems (HFRS).
