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

Initially, it was believed that one of the passengers was from Utah, but health officials later confirmed that there were three from the state. The outbreak was first reported earlier this month when three passengers on the MV Hondius became ill and died. 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 that all the passengers remain in isolated medical facilities for monitoring. After returning to Utah, the three passengers will be monitored for symptoms daily for at least six weeks.

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. Experts said the Andes virus, a rare strain of Hantavirus, typically spreads through rodent droppings and urine. Health officials have not provided a timeline for their release.