The New Jersey Department of Health announced on May 8 that it is monitoring two state residents following their potential exposure to a person infected with hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. The department said the risk to the general public remains low.
This situation is important because hantavirus infections are rare in New Jersey, and there have never been any confirmed cases in the state. Monitoring efforts aim to prevent further spread and ensure public safety.
According to the department, “the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified us that two New Jersey residents were potentially exposed after an encounter with an infected individual who had left the MV Hondius cruise ship.” The department clarified that “the New Jersey residents were not passengers on the cruise; their possible exposure occurred during international air travel.” As a precaution, health officials are working with local authorities to monitor these individuals, neither of whom currently show symptoms of hantavirus. The department also said it will not share personal details about those being monitored.
“At this time, risk for New Jersey residents and the general public remains very low,” according to the statement. There are no current cases in New Jersey, and historically no confirmed cases have ever been reported in the state.
The type of hantavirus associated with this incident—the Andes virus—is found in South America and is known as the only strain capable of spreading from person to person. However, such transmission is rare and typically requires close or prolonged contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. People without symptoms are not considered infectious during its incubation period, which can last from four to forty-two days.
Other states’ health agencies are conducting similar monitoring for returning travelers. The department said it will continue coordinating with local and federal partners as more information becomes available: “This is a developing public health situation. Information provided reflects what is currently known and may change as additional facts are confirmed by local, federal, or international partners.”
