Wichita Health Officials Monitor Exposure to Andes Hantavirus

WICHITA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the local health department, is keeping an eye on three individuals who may have been exposed to the Andes hantavirus.

The potential exposure occurred internationally when the individuals came into contact with someone from the MV Hondius cruise ship, who later tested positive for the virus. Interestingly, the three people in question were not passengers on the cruise and are currently showing no symptoms, as KDHE noted. To respect their privacy, no further details about them will be released.

According to KDHE, there are no suspected or confirmed hantavirus cases in Kansas at this moment. The department reassured the public that the risk from the Andes hantavirus is considered very low. They plan to update the public as needed.

Furthermore, KDHE shared some background on the virus that’s been in the news lately due to cases linked to the cruise ship. Hantaviruses are commonly transmitted through contact with the droppings, urine, and saliva of wild rodents. In the U.S., cases primarily occur in the Western regions, with about 30 cases identified each year.

The specific strain associated with the cruise ship is the Andes virus, which can spread between people under certain conditions, particularly with close and prolonged contact when one person shows symptoms.

It’s important to note that a person is not deemed infectious until they exhibit symptoms. If someone is infected, symptoms typically appear within 4 to 42 days post-exposure. These initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea. Later, more severe complications like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can develop, leading to respiratory difficulties. Unfortunately, there’s no specific treatment; care focuses on supportive measures during the illness.