90-Second Read: Three Utahns quarantined after exposure to Hantavirus on cruise ship

We want to reassure Utahns that while the risk to the public is minimal, DHHS is coordinating closely with our local health departments, the CDC, and the passengers to take the necessary steps to prevent risk to others," said Tracy Gruber, DHHS commissioner. Initially, it was believed that one of the passengers was from Utah, but health officials later confirmed that there were three from the state. Health officials have repeatedly told the public that the general risk of Hantavirus spreading is low, adding that the virus is not contagious unless the person is symptomatic. Officials with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Monday that three of the Americans on board were from Utah. However, they assured Utahns that the risk of it spreading is low, noting.

After returning to Utah, the three passengers will be monitored for symptoms daily for at least six weeks. The outbreak was first reported earlier this month when three passengers on the MV Hondius became ill and died. Experts said the Andes virus, a rare strain of Hantavirus, typically spreads through rodent droppings and urine. While we are learning more about the Andes strain and how it is transmitted, we understand how to stop it from spreading," said Dr. In order for it to spread person-to-person, there must be close contact with someone who is actively symptomatic.

Health officials have not provided a timeline for their release. This prompted an international effort to mitigate the spread, as roughly 150 passengers needed to return home without exposing the public to the virus. Dr Leisha Nolen, the Utah state epidemiologist, said she is concerned for the passengers who have been exposed, but is not worried about it spreading widely. There have been no documented cases where a person without symptoms spread it to someone else.

Officials emphasized that it is not known to spread through "casual contact," such as shaking hands. The Andes virus is not common in North America, but is well-known in rural parts of South America.