90-Second Read: Two people from New Hampshire were on board cruise ship hit by Hantavirus outbreak, officials say

Two New Hampshire residents were on a cruise ship that was hit by a deadly Hantavirus outbreak, state health officials confirmed Monday. Three people have died in connection with the outbreak, and six people with confirmed or suspected cases of Hantavirus are being quarantined, according to the World Health Organization. Hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with wild rodent droppings, urine and saliva, but the specific virus associated with the outbreak, the Andes virus, can spread between people who are in close, prolonged contact with each other. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said that two individuals with New Hampshire addresses were on the MV Hondius cruise ship. Officials said the two people have returned to the United States but are not in New Hampshire at this.

State health officials said they were coordinating with federal officials to ensure that monitoring would be in place if the individuals return to the state. Several days after the onset of initial symptoms, people can develop a severe illness that affects the lungs called Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which causes cough, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Chan said one person in New Hampshire died of Hantavirus in 2019. Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There is no specific treatment available, and care focuses on supporting the person through their illness.

There is currently no risk from cruise ship travelers in New Hampshire because, to our knowledge, nobody from the cruise ship is currently in New Hampshire," said Dr. We are preparing to make sure that we can appropriately bring them back to New Hampshire safely... Chan said he believes the two people are in Nebraska undergoing evaluation. Symptoms of Andes virus infection usually begin within four to 42 days after an exposure.