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Trump Says Cruise Ship Hantavirus Is 'We Hope' Under Control, Promises Report

Critics say past health cuts may slow the response.

Overview

  • President Trump said the situation is "very much, we hope, under control" and promised a full report "tomorrow," adding "I hope not" when asked if it would spread.
  • During the exchange with press, he called an ABC News reporter "fake news" after being asked what he learned in his briefings.
  • The MV Hondius, a luxury cruise ship that left Argentina on April 1, is anchored near the Canary Islands with eight confirmed or suspected cases and three reported deaths.
  • World Health Organization officials said hantavirus is not like COVID-19 and expect a limited outbreak if standard public health steps are used.
  • The New Republic reports that HHS last year laid off CDC cruise-ship inspectors and the administration cut hantavirus research funding, raising concerns about preparedness.