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. The World Health Organization said it believes the Hantavirus outbreak stemmed from a Dutch couple on board the ship. 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. Seven states are monitoring people who were either exposed to or are exhibiting symptoms of Hantavirus. The disease is at the center of a deadly cruise ship outbreak that has grabbed worldwide attention and prompted some to wonder whether it will become the next COVID-19 pandemic.

On board the ship were 17 Americans, who have returned to the United States to be monitored for symptoms. Hantavirus has been identified in hispid cotton rats in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. 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. None are in Florida, although it's unknown at this time which states the people call home.

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. Experts continue to emphasize people should not be alarmed about Hantavirus. Early diagnosis of Hantavirus infection can be challenging because early symptoms are common with other febrile or respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, COVID-19, viral pneumonia, leptospirosis, dengue or sepsis," according to WHO. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of WHO's department of epidemic and pandemic management, said the ship also stopped at many islands up the coast of Africa where others may have come in contact with the virus.

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. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management said May 7. The map shows seven states where potentially impacted people are being quarantined or monitored. It can also spread through a bite or scratch by a rodent, although that is rare. In humans, symptoms usually begin between one and eight weeks after exposure, depending on the type of virus.