90-Second Read: Bay Area resident exposed to Hantavirus on MV Hondius cruise showing no symptoms, California health officials say

San Francisco Bay Area health officials provided an update on a resident who was exposed to the Hantavirus during a cruise in the Atlantic, adding that the risk to the public remains low. Updated on: May 11, 2026 / 4:21 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco San Francisco Bay Area health officials provided an update on a resident who was exposed to the Hantavirus during a cruise in the Atlantic, adding that the risk to the public remains low. At least 10 cases have been reported and three people have died from a Hantavirus outbreak connected with the MV Hondius as of Monday. Officials confirmed over the weekend that the Santa Clara County resident was exposed to the virus while aboard the cruise ship. The individual is currently at home.

The officials said the resident is currently at home and being actively monitored by public health officials. Santa Clara County health officials said they will continue to monitor the person for early signs and symptoms of the virus in accordance with the CDC's monitoring period of 42 days. If the person comes down with symptoms, officials added that there was a "comprehensive care plan" to prevent exposure risk to first responders, healthcare providers, other patients and the public. The CDPH also said a Sacramento County resident may have been exposed while aboard an international flight carrying a passenger who later died from the virus. Two additional California residents have been transported to the United States by federal authorities.

The strain identified in the outbreak on the ship is called the Andes virus, which is the only known Hantavirus strain to spread person to person. Transmission occurs through prolonged close contact, health officials say. Officials said the person was not showing any symptoms or signs of infection. Sarah Rudman reiterated that the risk of contracting the Hantavirus was extremely low. It was not stated exactly where in the county the individual lived.

I understand that the news of an exposed individual in Santa Clara County is causing stress and worry. In an update Monday afternoon, CDPH said two people who were evacuated to the facility in Nebraska are California residents. On Sunday, passengers began disembarking from the ship after it docked in Spain's Canary Islands, 17 of whom were Americans.