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). The recent outbreak of Hantavirus was caused by the Andes virus, the only known strain that can be transmitted between humans.

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 is working with other local health departments to monitor potential contacts with those who left the cruise ship MV Hondius. 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.

Neither resident is currently showing symptoms suggesting Hantavirus infection. The outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2. Princeton University Health Services said that the risk to the campus community remained low.