Dr. Steve Kornfeld is seen in this archived picture. Dr. Kornfeld conferred with ABC News while on the M/V Hondius.Courtesy Dr. Steve Kornfeld
Following the hantavirus infection of the cruise ship MV Hondius’s physician, an American doctor present onboard acted swiftly to guide passengers through the health crisis.
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, a cancer specialist from Bend, Oregon, informed ABC News that he promptly acknowledged his leadership role in managing a significant medical emergency aboard the cruise liner.
Dr. Steve Kornfeld is seen in this archived picture. Dr. Kornfeld conferred with ABC News while on the M/V Hondius.Courtesy Dr. Steve Kornfeld
The vessel’s unnamed doctor was among the half-dozen individuals who tested positive for the virus. One traveler, suspected of having the illness, passed away while onboard.
"Things rapidly increased within a day of my involvement," Kornfeld stated. "One of the patients succumbed, and the other two, the physician and a staff member, became progressively unwell, followed by the initial reports about hantavirus."
The ship’s medical professional and a travel guide who tested positive are currently in isolation in the Netherlands. A British citizen who tested positive is being treated in a hospital in South Africa, while a Swiss individual is hospitalized in Switzerland.
A Dutch woman, who tested positive, died on April 26 while in South Africa, and a German woman, also testing positive, died on May 2.
As of Saturday afternoon, none of the 17 Americans sailing onboard have tested positive for the virus. The ship is scheduled to reach the Canary Islands Sunday morning, where the travelers will disembark and be transported back to their respective countries.
Kornfeld, who enjoyed bird watching during the journey, communicated to ABC News that the entire ship united to overcome the crisis.
Dr. Steve Kornfeld is seen in this archived picture. Dr. Kornfeld conferred with ABC News while on the M/V Hondius.Courtesy Dr. Steve Kornfeld
"Numerous individuals were providing aid and support, and it genuinely felt like a collaborative endeavor," he expressed. "These individuals have begun to feel like my extended family."
The doctor noted that while feeling "somewhat exposed," his health remains stable.
"Days are passing without anyone showing symptoms, and I anticipate very soon having access to exceptional medical resources. That offers substantial reassurance," he conveyed.
Dr. Steve Kornfeld is seen in this archived picture. Dr. Kornfeld conferred with ABC News while on the M/V Hondius.Courtesy Dr. Steve Kornfeld
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control revealed that the Americans will be flown to Nebraska for assessment, but no mandatory quarantine will be enforced.
The National Quarantine Unit situated in Omaha, Nebraska, is prepared for the care and monitoring of these patients.
Concerning the visit to the unit, Kornfeld remarked: "Well, Nebraska hasn’t been on my bird watching list."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com