The New Jersey Department of Health announced on May 8 that it is monitoring two state residents following potential exposure to a person infected with hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. The department said the individuals were not passengers on the ship and that their possible exposure occurred during air travel abroad.
The department said there is currently no evidence of hantavirus infection in these individuals, and neither has shown symptoms suggestive of the disease. The agency also emphasized that it will not release residence information or other identifying details to protect patient privacy.
“At this time, the risk to the general public in New Jersey remains low,” according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The statement also noted, “No current hantavirus cases have been identified in the state, and there is no history of a confirmed hantavirus case reported in New Jersey.”
Hantaviruses found in the United States are typically carried by rodents and do not spread between people. However, officials explained that Andes virus—the strain associated with this outbreak—is found in South America and is known as the only hantavirus capable of person-to-person transmission. Such transmission is rare and usually requires close, prolonged contact with an infected individual or their bodily fluids. The incubation period can range from four to 42 days, and asymptomatic persons are not considered infectious.
Health agencies in several other U.S. states are also monitoring returning travelers for potential exposure related to this incident. The department said it will continue working with local and federal health partners as more information becomes available.
“This is an evolving public health situation,” according to the New Jersey Department of Health statement. “The information provided reflects current knowledge and is subject to change as additional facts are confirmed by local, federal, and international partners.”
