90-Second Read: Maryland monitoring 2 residents for possible Hantavirus exposure; what you need to know

The Maryland Department of Health is monitoring two people who were on a flight and were exposed to Hantavirus. FOX 5's Maureen Umeh reports that Maryland health officials say the two individuals were on a flight with a passenger who had been on the ship connected to those fatalities. Maryland has not reported a Hantavirus case since 2019, and the Andes strain has never been detected in the state.

MORE RESOURCES: 2026 Multi-country Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship The concern centers on the Andes strain of Hantavirus, a rare version of the virus that can spread between people under certain conditions. Later this morning, infectious‑disease experts with the College of American Pathologists are holding a virtual briefing to discuss how Hantavirus is diagnosed, why early detection is difficult and what the current public‑health risk looks like. One Virginia traveler left the cruise ship before the outbreak was identified and is now back home under public‑health monitoring.

Exposure Occurred During Air Travel The residents were not cruise passengers, and no additional details will be released to protect privacy. No Maryland Cases Since 2019 Andes Virus infections have never been reported in the state. Health leaders say the risk of widespread transmission remains very low because the virus does not spread easily through casual contact.