From medieval plague ships to hantavirus: How outbreaks at sea shaped the public health system

By: Katrine Wallace

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: May 16, 2026

Words: 1,299

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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Cruise ships are convenient floating hotels by which to see far-flung parts of the world — but as an epidemiologist, I know they are also everything an infectious pathogen could want: thousands of strangers packed into enclosed spaces for days or weeks, sharing dining rooms and high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons and handrails, breathing recirculated air.

Each new port of call where passengers can explore for a few days is an opportunity …

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