Health officials in Maryland are closely monitoring possible hantavirus exposures after two state residents were identified as having contact with a traveler linked to the international MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak while on a flight.
While no confirmed cases have been reported in Maryland or Montgomery County, health leaders say they are taking precautionary steps as investigations continue.
Press Conference Calms Fears
During a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Kisha Davis, Montgomery County Health Officer, explained that hantavirus is a “rare virus typically spread through contact with infected rodents, especially their urine, droppings or saliva.” She noted that infections in humans remain uncommon but can become serious if symptoms progress.
“We know who has been exposed, and we have very tight monitoring of them,” Davis said. “We know who was on the ship, and we know who was on the plane, and we’ve been able to monitor them closely.”
Davis also sought to reassure residents about the risk of transmission, explaining that hantavirus is not considered contagious before symptoms appear.
“You don’t spread hantavirus until you start showing symptoms,” she said. “People test positive for hantavirus before they start showing symptoms.”
Recent Exposures
The Maryland Department of Health said the two residents were exposed during air travel after sharing a flight with a passenger connected to the cruise ship outbreak. Officials stressed that the overall public risk remains “very low” and confirmed that no hantavirus cases have been recorded in Maryland since 2019.
The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius expedition ship has drawn international attention after several suspected and confirmed hantavirus infections were reported among passengers. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare form capable of limited person-to-person transmission. Multiple deaths have been linked to the outbreak.
The CDC says there are currently no confirmed cases of hantavirus in the United States, but 41 potential exposures are being monitored, with 18 people under quarantine in Nebraska and Atlanta.
Symptoms
Hantavirus symptoms often begin with fever, fatigue and muscle aches before potentially developing into severe respiratory illness. Health experts continue to encourage residents to avoid rodent exposure and take precautions when cleaning enclosed spaces such as basements, sheds and cabins where rodents may be present.
Montgomery County officials say they are coordinating with state and federal agencies while continuing to monitor the situation.
Courtesy: CDC
