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CDC Reverses Layoffs, Sanitation Chief Retires During Hondius Outbreak

5/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Luis Rodríguez, head of the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, is retiring as the agency monitors the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak.
The agency reversed the April 2025 staff layoffs that had been announced for the Vessel Sanitation Program.
The CDC said the public health risk to Americans from the outbreak is extremely low.
The State Department is coordinating a whole-of-government response for the 17 American passengers aboard the MV Hondius.

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Story summary

Luis Rodríguez, head of the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, is retiring as the agency monitors the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak.
The agency reversed the April 2025 staff layoffs that had been announced for the Vessel Sanitation Program.
The CDC said the public health risk to Americans from the outbreak is extremely low.
The State Department is coordinating a whole-of-government response for the 17 American passengers aboard the MV Hondius.