90-Second Read: Two NJ residents potentially exposed to Hantavirus, authorities say risk level remains low

New Jersey health officials said two state residents may have been exposed to the rare Andes strain of Hantavirus linked to a deadly cruise ship outbreak, though no cases have been confirmed in New Jersey, and the public risk remains very low. Two New Jersey residents were potentially exposed to a person with Hantavirus, according to a Friday press release from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). No current Hantavirus cases have been identified in the state, and there is no history of a confirmed Hantavirus case reported in New Jersey," NJDOH wrote in the press release. Since April 11, three deaths and at least five other cases have been reported since leaving the cruise ship, which disembarked at a port off Spain's Canary Islands on Sunday. The NJDOH.

The two exposed New Jersey residents were not aboard the cruise ship but may have been exposed to an infected person during air travel abroad. The recent outbreak of Hantavirus was caused by the Andes virus, the only known strain that can be transmitted between humans. The outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2. The individual was infected during a deadly outbreak of the virus that began on a cruise ship in early April. The incubation period ranges from four to 42 days and asymptomatic persons are not considered infectious.

The risk to the general public in New Jersey remains very low. Princeton University Health Services said that the risk to the campus community remained low. Neither resident is currently showing symptoms suggesting Hantavirus infection. The CDC is operating on a Level 3 response, its lowest level of emergency activation. Helena, on April 11, a Dutch national went into respiratory distress and died on board the ship.

It is believed that the virus was brought onto the cruise ship by a couple who were infected before boarding in Argentina on April 1. She was confirmed to have been infected with the virus. Dutch health officials have been working to track down those who may have come into contact with the wife as she attempted to fly home, as well as the dozens of passengers who disembarked at St. Out of those who develop respiratory symptoms, 38 percent "may die," according to the CDC. Students should continue to follow standard health and safety practices and report potential evidence of rodent activity to Facilities.