90-Second Read: Colorado reports adult death linked to Hantavirus

Colorado health officials reported that the person who died from Hantavirus wasn't linked to the recent outbreak aboard a cruise ship. In a statement from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on May 18, obtained by Reuters, the agency explained that the strain of Hantavirus that resulted in the death in Colorado happens regularly in the state during this time of the year. The cause of the Hantavirus exposure is under investigation by Colorado health officials. Symptoms, how it spreads and why experts are watching it USA Today reported that approximately 41 individuals in the United States are under evaluation for Hantavirus related to the deadly outbreak that killed three passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship.

Citing WHO, Reuters noted that including those deaths, there have been eight ⁠confirmed and two probable cases on board the ship. The Hantavirus is a family of viruses which can cause severe illnesses and death. Symptoms of Hantavirus typically start to show 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FILE-An illustration shows a Hantavirus testing concept with laboratory tubes containing cotton swabs and Hantavirus labels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viruses cause diseases like Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Rodents also primarily spread these viruses, but they can be transmitted between people in rare cases and after prolonged close contact.