90-Second Read: Americans from cruise ship linked to Hantavirus outbreak to arrive in U.S. for monitoring as Georgia residents remain under watch

Federal officials will provide an update Monday as 17 Americans exposed to Hantavirus on MV Hondius return for monitoring; one shows symptoms, another tests "mildly" positive. The outbreak has drawn attention in Georgia after health officials confirmed that two Georgia residents were being monitored following possible exposure connected to the cruise ship. Earlier reporting from CBS News Atlanta found that Georgia health officials were monitoring two state residents connected to the outbreak. This comes as CBS is learning that one American evacuated from the cruise ship began showing Hantavirus symptoms, and another tested "mildly" PCR positive for Andes virus after arriving on a repatriation flight, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS through ASPR and CDC is supporting State Department in the repatriation of 17 American citizens.

The Andes strain of Hantavirus is considered rare and has historically been associated with outbreaks in South America. According to the CDC, Hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, though the Andes strain is one of the few variants where person-to-person transmission has been documented in limited cases. Severe cases can develop into Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially life-threatening respiratory illness. State Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Officials said the passengers are being flown to the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, one of the nation's Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers.

Federal officials said the two passengers are being transported in the aircraft's biocontainment units "out of an abundance of caution." Upon arrival, officials said each passenger will undergo clinical assessment and receive care based on their condition. Separately, reporting from WTOC identified a Brunswick-area woman who had been aboard the MV Hondius around the time of the outbreak. Health officials in Georgia and South Carolina have previously emphasized that they believe the virus does not spread easily under normal circumstances. The CDC describes Hantavirus infections as potentially severe illnesses that can initially resemble the flu, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, fatigue and shortness of breath.

A media briefing featuring HHS officials, CDC experts and University of Nebraska Medical Center specialists is scheduled for Monday morning in Omaha. Federal officials said Monday's briefing will provide additional details on the passengers' conditions and the government's ongoing response.