Suspected Hantavirus Case in Upstate New York
A potential case of hantavirus is being looked into after a high school student in upstate New York may have contracted this rodent-borne illness.
The teen from Ontario County isn’t linked to a recent outbreak that resulted in three deaths aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. Health officials believe this case was likely acquired locally, a situation they describe as “terrible.” Many are expressing concern, especially given the timing.
Officials clarified that they are not considering the Andean strain that’s been spreading among evacuees from the cruise ship, which has a chilling mortality rate of up to 40%.
As of now, no other students or staff at Geneva High School are reporting any health issues.
The Ontario County Health Unit communicated with parents about the investigation, stating, “We’re looking into a suspected case of locally transmitted hantavirus involving a student at Geneva High School.”
The Department of Health reassured everyone that there’s no evidence suggesting any risk to others at the school. They also stressed that this case does not relate to the strain receiving national media coverage.
Kate Ott, the Public Health Director for Ontario County, mentioned that her department was alerted to this potential infection late Thursday morning, noting that this is the second suspected case in the region in the last 20 years.
The student has been dealing with mild symptoms—fatigue, pain, and general malaise—for several weeks now.
“While this case is mild, hantavirus can be serious,” Ott pointed out. The situation’s timing is indeed “frightening.”
Health officials confirmed that the student was not infected with the Andean strain and that no other individuals at the school were affected. They’ve also indicated that there’s no need for students to quarantine. Ott advised residents to wear masks and gloves and take precautions when cleaning areas like attics and garages.
This news comes amid ongoing efforts by global health authorities to monitor the spread of an Andean strain that can be transmitted from person to person. This strain recently led to fatalities and risks aboard a ship in the Netherlands.
The 18 Americans aboard the ship, including three from New York, were returned to the U.S. and placed in quarantine. One passenger tested weakly positive and is currently in a biocontainment facility in Nebraska.
While the identities of the New Yorkers involved have not been disclosed, Governor Kathy Hochul mentioned they reside in New York City, Westchester County, and Orange County.
