90-Second Read: Public health hot topic: Hantavirus

On May 2, a cruise ship reported to the World Health Organization a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness onboard. Summer travelers can feel reassured that there is currently no recommendation from U.S. or international health authorities to cancel or change travel plans because of Hantavirus. To learn how to wet clean safely, the Department of Health has instructions on its website ( https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/420569-SafelyCleaningAfterRodents-Hantavirus-Poster-English.pdf ).

There are three King County residents connected to the cruise ship, and all are under public health monitoring. These residents remain asymptomatic and are monitoring for symptoms at home in coordination with Public Health, Seattle & King County. Although uncommon, limited human-to-human transmission of HPS due to the Andes Hantavirus strain has been reported in community settings involving close and prolonged contact.

Public health experts have deemed the overall risk as very low. You can review your immunizations online or via app through MyIR, by contacting your primary care provider or by contacting your local public health department. Hantavirus is a rare viral disease usually spread through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva.