90-Second Read: What you should know about the recent outbreak of Hantavirus

Five cases of Hantavirus have been confirmed as of May 8, with three people dead and four others suspected to be infected after an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise. According to Harvard medical school, those who contract Hantavirus commonly experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever and muscle aches. The outbreak is classified as an emergency level 3, which is the lowest level of emergency activation.

According to NBC news, at least 7 people who were on the ship returned home to America and are quarantined in the United States, with none showing symptoms of the virus. According to ABC news and the CDC, the overall health risk remains low. Despite this, there is no cure for Hantavirus, though treatment such as oxygen therapy can be used to help patients sick with the disease.

A latest update from US today reports that possible exposures of Hantavirus in the US are being monitored in Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia. Despite certain cases being nearby, no cases are being monitored in Connecticut. The rodent-born infection is most commonly spread through rat urine, saliva and droppings.