Two individuals who were on a flight with a passenger infected from the hantavirus cruise ship are under observation for symptoms, according to recent reports. The Maryland Department of Health disclosed that both travelers shared the flight with a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been linked to a hantavirus outbreak resulting in three fatalities. The infected individual was unaware of their condition at the time of travel.
Authorities in the US state of Maryland have emphasized that the risk of local transmission of the disease is minimal, as hantaviruses typically do not spread among people. Maryland has not reported any hantavirus cases since 2019.
In a statement, health officials mentioned that they are closely monitoring two Maryland residents who were on the same flight as the infected cruise ship passenger. The health department is taking precautionary measures, stating that the risk to the public in Maryland is very low. The individuals with potential exposure were not passengers on the cruise ship but had possible contact during international air travel. To protect their privacy, no further details about the Maryland residents will be disclosed.
Hantaviruses, carried by rodents, are known to exist in the US, with most not known to transmit between individuals. However, the Andes virus associated with the MV Hondius passengers is capable of person-to-person transmission, albeit rare and requiring close contact. The incubation period ranges from four to 42 days, and asymptomatic individuals are not considered contagious.
Maryland has not reported any hantavirus cases since 2019, and Andes virus infections have never been documented in the state. The health department is collaborating with various authorities, experts, and medical facilities to address the situation.
In a separate development, a Spanish passenger evacuated from the affected cruise ship has tested positive for hantavirus, as confirmed by officials in Spain. The World Health Organization has acknowledged a total of 11 cases, including three fatalities from the cruise.
All passengers and most crew members have been evacuated from the MV Hondius, which is en route to the Netherlands for thorough cleaning and disinfection.