At least two New Jersey residents were potentially exposed to a person infected with hantavirus after leaving the MV Hondius cruise ship at the center of an outbreak that global health authorities are closely monitoring. The individuals, who were not passengers on the ship, may have encountered the virus during air travel abroad, according to Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Outbreak Overview
The World Health Organization has confirmed at least three deaths and eight confirmed or suspected cases linked to the cruise. Health officials in multiple states are monitoring passengers who have disembarked and returned home.
New Jersey Response
The New Jersey Department of Health is monitoring the two residents, who are not showing any symptoms. Governor Sherrill emphasized that the risk to the public remains very low and there are no confirmed cases in the state.
Other States Involved
At least five other states—Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas, and Virginia—are monitoring passengers. None have shown symptoms or tested positive. In Georgia, two residents are being monitored and are in good health. Arizona is also monitoring a symptom-free passenger.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the current risk to the American public from the hantavirus outbreak is extremely low. Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, and human-to-human transmission is considered uncommon.
“We urge all Americans aboard the ship to follow the guidance of health officials as we work to bring you home safely,” the CDC said on May 7.
This is a developing story.
