90-Second Read: Residents keeping tabs on Hantavirus as 2 Marylanders are monitored

People are keeping an eye on Hantavirus as the Department of Health monitors two Marylanders for possible exposure. Two Maryland residents are being monitored after potential exposure to Hantavirus during a flight shared with an infected cruise ship passenger. Sullivan said Hantavirus has an incubation period ranging from four to 42 days, which is the time between exposure and the onset of illness.

What to know about the outbreak The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the shared flights occurred before health officials became aware of the outbreak. The individuals are monitoring themselves for any signs and symptoms, and set a routine schedule to communicate with the health department on a daily basis regarding health and symptom monitoring in accordance with the national guidance provided by the CDC. All individuals that are being monitored, including the two individuals in Maryland, we are using that 40-day incubation period.

But again, we are kind of watching them closely to see if they develop symptoms and will continue to update as information evolves. Meanwhile, residents expressed concern but are closely following updates from health officials. Definitely concerning, but again, don't want to cause widespread panic for no reason.