90-Second Read: Three people exposed to Hantavirus remain at KU Hospital for observation

Three people exposed to the Andes strain of Hantavirus remain at the University of Kansas Hospital for continued observation KANSAS CITY, Mo. Should any of the three test positive for the Andes Hantavirus, KDHE said the public will be properly notified and more information will be provided. The KDHE said at this time, there are no confirmed cases of the Andes Hantavirus in Kansas and the risk to the general public from the Andes virus remains extremely low.

According to the KDHE, the exposure took place internationally after contact was made with an individual who had contracted the virus on the MV Hondius cruise ship. The KDHE says that the person was confirmed to have tested positive for the virus later. The high-risk exposure may have included prolonged close contact or a shared living space with a person who had experienced symptoms consistent with the virus.

Scientists have been aware of Hantaviruses for decades, which means there is much more research they can draw on when it comes to treating patients and preventing infections from spreading. Hantaviruses don't typically spread person to person, but it appears the Andes virus strain can. Or, the KDHE says they may have been within close proximity of the individual during their travels.