90-Second Read: 2nd Arizona passenger confirmed from ship with Hantavirus outbreak

Arizona health officials released new information about local ties to the recent Hantavirus outbreak aboard an Atlantic Ocean cruise ship. Once home, local health officials will regularly monitor the person for symptoms, similar to the situation with the previously reported Arizona passenger. Overall, three deaths from the Andes virus strain of Hantavirus and nine other cases have been confirmed among MV Hondius passengers.

For the first time, the Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed that a second person from the state was on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius at the time of the outbreak. Additionally, the department revealed that a previously reported Arizona passenger resides in Maricopa County. The second Arizonan is among a group of passengers who were taken to Nebraska for evaluation.

On May 8, state health officials announced that the first Arizona passenger had returned to the state, but they did not say where. On Tuesday, they said the person is being monitored by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and has not shown any symptoms of Hantavirus. This person will return to Arizona after being assessed and transportation is arranged to ensure public safety.