Two individuals who shared a flight with a passenger infected from the hantavirus cruise ship are currently under observation for any symptoms, as reported. The Maryland Department of Health disclosed that both passengers were on the same flight as a traveler from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been linked to an outbreak of the rat-borne disease resulting in three fatalities. The infected individual was unaware of their condition at the time.
Health authorities in the United States emphasized that the likelihood of local residents contracting the disease is minimal, as hantavirus-related illnesses are not typically transmitted between people. Maryland has not reported any hantavirus cases since 2019.
In a statement, it was mentioned that “The Maryland Department of Health is monitoring two Maryland residents who were on a flight that briefly included a M/V Hondius cruise ship passenger infected with hantavirus. Health authorities are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution. At this time, the risk to the public in Maryland remains very low.”
“The two Maryland residents with potential exposures were not passengers on the cruise ship. The potential exposure occurred during air travel abroad. The Maryland Department of Health will not release additional information about the Maryland residents to protect their privacy.”
Hantaviruses, which are carried by rodents, are a group of viruses known to exist in the United States. While most hantavirus-related diseases do not spread among individuals, the disease associated with passengers of M/V Hondius is the Andes virus, typically found in South America.
“It is the only known hantavirus capable of person-to-person transmission, although such transmission is rare and usually requires close, prolonged contact with an infected individual or their bodily fluids. The incubation period varies from four to 42 days, and asymptomatic individuals are not considered contagious.”
No hantavirus cases have been reported in Maryland since 2019, and Andes virus infections have never been documented in the state. The Maryland Department of Health is closely collaborating with various government levels, leading experts, and medical facilities operating Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers.
A Spanish passenger evacuated from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship has tested positive for the virus, as confirmed by officials in the country today. The World Health Organization has verified 11 cases, including three fatalities among cruise passengers.
All passengers and the majority of the crew have been evacuated from MV Hondius, which is now en route back to the Netherlands for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
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