90-Second Read: Is Florida monitoring any cruise ship passengers for Hantavirus?

Officials are continuing to investigate the outbreak of the Andes strain of Hantavirus that caused an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship that has killed three people. While Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is most common in rural areas of the West, there have been cases throughout the U.S., including Florida, though it's very rare. Hantavirus has been identified in hispid cotton rats in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. Seven states are monitoring people who were either exposed to or are exhibiting symptoms of Hantavirus.

On board the ship were 17 Americans, who have returned to the United States to be monitored for symptoms. The World Health Organization said it believes the Hantavirus outbreak stemmed from a Dutch couple on board the ship. The Centers for Disease Control reports three cases in Florida between 1993 and 2023, including one in Dade County in 1993. Prior to boarding the ship, the couple had gone on a bird-watching trip through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

The World Health Organization reports the public health risk from the virus remains low. As of May 11, one American has tested positive for Hantavirus. Hantavirus comes from contact with rodents, such as rats and mice, especially after exposure to their urine, droppings, and saliva, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Experts continue to emphasize people should not be alarmed about Hantavirus.

The map shows seven states where potentially impacted people are being quarantined or monitored. None are in Florida, although it's unknown at this time which states the people call home. In humans, symptoms usually begin between one and eight weeks after exposure, depending on the type of virus.