90-Second Read: Two Maryland residents monitored for Hantavirus after sharing flight with infected cruise ship passenger

Maryland health officials say two residents are being monitored for potential Hantavirus exposure after flying with an infected MV Hondius cruise ship passenger. Health officials said the Maryland residents were on a flight that included a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship who was infected with Hantavirus. No Hantavirus cases have been reported in Maryland since 2019, and Andes virus infections have never been identified in the state, officials said. View of the cruise ship MV Hondius docked in the port of Granadilla before setting course for the Netherlands, on 11 May, 2026 in Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Medical staff direct some of the last passengers to be evacuated from the MV Hondius on May 11, 2026 in Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands, Spain.

American passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius arrived in Omaha, Neb., on Monday, May 11, 2026, after flying from Tenerife, Spain. The Hantaviruses that are found throughout the United States are not known to spread between people. Similar Hantavirus cases have been reported in Arizona, California and Georgia. Health authorities said they are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution. The department declined to provide additional details about the residents, citing a need to protect their privacy.

At this time, the risk to the public in Maryland remains "very low. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare infectious disease that starts with flu-like symptoms and can quickly progress to life-threatening lung and heart problems. Several Hantavirus strains can cause the illness, also known as Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, according to Mayo Clinic. HPS has a nearly 40% fatality rate in those who are infected, according to the CDC. Early symptoms of HPS can include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, with about half of all patients also experiencing headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.

Officials said asymptomatic individuals are not considered infectious. Health authorities said they are coordinating with federal and international partners as the situation continues to evolve.