90-Second Read: New Hampshire DHHS Issues Statement on MV Hondius Hantavirus Outbreak

On average, the United States identifies 30 people with Hantavirus every year. The last case of Hantavirus identified in a New Hampshire resident was in 2019 and thought to be acquired through travel. The specific Hantavirus that caused the cruise ship outbreak is called the Andes virus, which is known to be able to spread from person to person in situations involving close, prolonged contact with a person who is sick with the disease.

The two individuals are not in New Hampshire at this time, and we... Symptoms of Andes virus infection usually begin within 4-42 days after an exposure. Several days after the onset of initial symptoms, people can develop a severe illness that affects the lungs (called Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome) causing cough, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, which can be fatal.

The DHHS Division of Public Health (DPH) will continue to coordinate with regional and federal partners and make available any further information relevant to the health of the general public. To learn more about Hantavirus, please visit the Hantavirus page on the DHHS website. A person is not considered infectious and able to spread the virus to other people until they begin to develop symptoms.