Maryland Residents Monitored for Hantavirus Exposure
Two residents of Maryland are currently under observation for possible exposure to hantavirus, as reported by the Maryland Department of Health.
Health officials have indicated that these individuals were on a flight that included a passenger from the M/V Hondius cruise ship, who has been diagnosed with hantavirus. As of now, they believe the risk to the general public in Maryland is “very low,” but they are still exercising caution.
Exposure Linked to Flight, Not Cruise
The officials clarified that the Maryland residents did not set foot on the M/V Hondius itself. Instead, their potential exposure occurred during a flight alongside an infected passenger. Notably, Maryland has not recorded any hantavirus cases since 2019, and there have been no reports of Andes virus infections in the state.
Maryland health authorities are collaborating with various government levels, health authorities, and medical facilities in response to this situation.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses typically spread to humans via contact with rodents’ urine, droppings, or saliva, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Maryland Health Department notes that most hantavirus-related diseases don’t usually transmit between people. However, the virus affecting passengers from the M/V Hondius is the Andes virus, which is unique in its ability to spread from person to person.
As stated by the CDC, hantavirus can lead to serious respiratory issues and has a mortality rate of about 38% for those who develop symptoms. Initial symptoms can include fatigue, fever, and muscle pain, with nearly half of infected individuals also reporting headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal discomfort.
Later symptoms can progress to coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, as fluid accumulates in the lungs. The incubation period can vary from four to 42 days, and those who show no symptoms are not considered contagious, according to health officials.
Outbreak on M/V Hondius
A total of 17 Americans, along with a dual British-U.S. citizen, were evacuated from the M/V Hondius, which experienced a serious hantavirus outbreak. Unfortunately, three individuals connected to this outbreak have died. The cruise ship was carrying approximately 150 passengers from over 15 different countries.
“This isn’t another COVID situation; the public risk is low,” stated World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He encouraged people not to be fearful or panic, stressing that extensive scientific evaluations of the virus and its behavior have shaped this assessment.
