Health Secretary Provides Updates on Hantavirus and Ebola Outbreaks

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. provided updates on the hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks during a recent interview and event.

"The CDC has been working on the hantavirus outbreak since day one."
— Secretary Kennedy, speaking to ABC News on Monday

Key Developments

Kennedy confirmed that his department is actively addressing both outbreaks. He told ABC News on Monday that the CDC has been engaged with the hantavirus situation from the outset.

Last week, during an appearance in the Oval Office, Kennedy stated that the U.S. has the hantavirus outbreak "under control."

Ebola Update

• The CDC confirmed that an American has been infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy Heidi Overton stated that there are no Ebola cases in America, and efforts are underway to prevent any spread.

Hantavirus Update

• The CDC reported no confirmed hantavirus cases in the U.S. linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.
• 18 passengers remain under observation as a precautionary measure.

Context

Kennedy's remarks came following a roundtable event announcing nearly $1 billion in new funding to address PFAS in drinking water. He has been traveling to promote the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement.

Key takeaway: While the administration reports the hantavirus situation is under control, health officials continue monitoring 18 cruise ship passengers and working to prevent any Ebola cases from reaching U.S. soil.