Hantavirus live updates: CDC classifies outbreak as 'Level 3' emergency response

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations Centers and has classified the hantavirus outbreak as "Level 3," multiple sources told ABC News.

That's the lowest level of emergency activation and is typical for this stage. It signifies the risk to the general public remains low, but the situation is being actively monitored by the public health agency.

Activating the Emergency Operation Centers indicates that an emergency team has been set up to support a response. Epidemiologists, scientists and physicians may have been re-assigned from their typical roles to assist with the response.

-ABC News' Youri Benadjaoud

One of the passengers aboard the cruise ship at the center of a cluster of hantavirus cases, says other passengers aboard the MV Hondius ship are remaining calm and keeping their spirits up.

In a statement provided to ABC News, passenger Kasem Ibn Hattuta said several doctors are now on board, which he said is reassuring to passengers, who are wearing masks and keeping their distance inside the ship.

"The vibe on the ship might’ve been calm with a bit of concern because we were worried about the sick ones, but now it doesn’t feel different than any of the other sea days we had before," he said in the statement. "Everyone is keeping high spirit[s], people are smiling and taking the situation calmly."

The statement went on to say: "We had several doctors join us on the ship before departing Cape Verde, which was also reassuring as we now have specialists on board, no one currently has any hanta related symptoms and we hope it continues this way."

He said passengers are free to share whatever they like online but some passengers have chosen not to post anything publicly because they want to maintain their privacy.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, said he has been briefed about the hantavirus cases tied to the MV Hondius cruise ship.

"It should be fine. We hope," Trump said.

He indicated his administration would be issuing a "full report" on Friday, but did not provide any further details.

“It's very much -- we hope -- under control. It was the ship, and I think we're going to make a full report about it tomorrow," Trump said. "We have a lot of people, a lot of great people, are studying it."

Asked if Americans should be concerned the virus may spread, Trump said: "I hope not. I mean, I hope not. We’ll do the best we can."

Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., sent a letter Thursday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya asking them to create a repatriation plan for the 17 citizens aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius.

According to Bynum, a constituent of hers from Bend, Oregon, is among the Americans aboard the ship. 

"On Thursday, May 7, my office made contact with a constituent from the district I represent who is currently aboard the ship. The information we received about the conditions facing passengers and crew is deeply alarming. These Americans are trapped in a dangerous and deteriorating public health situation, and they deserve more than passive monitoring or delayed coordination,” Bynum wrote.

The congresswoman urged lawmakers to assess the situation and develop a repatriation plan by the end of the day Thursday.

-ABC News' Beatrice Peterson