In a developing health story out of New Jersey, authorities across six U.S. states are keeping a close watch on nine residents due to potential hantavirus infections linked to a recent outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. This situation is capturing the attention of global health organizations as they strive to manage the outbreak.
Health officials have reported an increasing tally of confirmed cases related to the outbreak. Tragically, three individuals who were aboard the ship have succumbed to the virus. Despite these concerning developments, no U.S. residents have shown symptoms of illness as of Friday morning, according to official statements.
Currently, health departments in Texas, New Jersey, and Georgia are vigilantly monitoring two individuals each, while their counterparts in California, Virginia, and Arizona are keeping an eye on one person per state. This coordinated effort reflects the seriousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, over 100 passengers remain confined on the ship, with the World Health Organization overseeing their health status. Although there is a potential for person-to-person transmission, officials have assessed that the “overall public health risk remains low.”
In response to the situation, a representative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed to ABC News on Friday that the agency plans to send personnel to the Canary Islands. Their mission will be to repatriate affected Americans to the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska, ensuring they receive appropriate care and monitoring.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official confirmed to ABC News on Friday that the agency will be dispatching personnel to the Canary Islands and bring back Americans to the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, an infected person had departed from the cruise ship MV Hondius, and the potential exposure to the New Jersey residents happened during air travel abroad.
The state health department went on to say that neither individual is currently reported to have symptoms suggestive of hantavirus. The New Jersey residents were not passengers on the cruise ship.
Officials said they will not release any information about where in New Jersey those residents live, or any other identifying details, to protect their privacy.
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The state health department said it is working with local health officials to monitor returning travelers as a precaution.
“At this time, the risk to the general public in New Jersey remains very low. No current hantavirus cases have been identified in the state, and there is no history of a confirmed hantavirus case reported in New Jersey,” the state department of health said.
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The state health department added the following:
Hantaviruses circulating in the United States are carried by rodents and are not known to spread between people. The strain associated with the MV Hondius outbreak – Andes virus – is found in South America and is the only known hantavirus capable of person-to-person transmission, though such transmission is rare and generally requires close, prolonged contact with an infected individual or their bodily fluids.
The incubation period ranges from four to 42 days and asymptomatic persons are not considered infectious.
Health agencies in several other U.S. states are conducting similar monitoring of returning passengers. NJDOH will continue to coordinate with local and federal public health partners and will provide updates as the situation develops.
This is an evolving public health situation. The information provided reflects current knowledge and is subject to change as additional facts are confirmed by local, federal, and international partners.
ABC News contributed to this report.
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