Salt Lake City—State health officials maintain the general risk from the Andes hantavirus remains low as they prepare for the return of Utahns exposed to the virus on a cruise ship.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will work with the Utahns who were exposed on the cruise ship to connect them with care and make sure they isolate themselves from others if they develop symptoms. Three Utahns were among the 18 people transported from the cruise ship to the U.S. Sunday.
While the Andes hantavirus is not commonly seen in North America, epidemiologists in South America are familiar with this virus. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) are working with these experts to understand the virus and how to prevent its spread. At this point, the passengers will remain isolated in medical facilities, presenting minimal risk to the public.
“We understand the concern about this virus and take our responsibility to protect public health seriously,” DHHS Commissioner Tracy Gruber said. “We want to reassure Utahns that while the risk to the public is minimal, DHHS is coordinating closely with our local health departments, the CDC, and the passengers to take the necessary steps to prevent risk to others.”
Utah officials first learned that at least one passenger who remained on the cruise ship was a resident, with later confirmation of three people. All of the U.S. passengers who remained on the ship will undergo observation at a federally-monitored facility and will only return to their home states when it is determined that it is safe to do so. When they do return, it is expected there will be daily monitoring for symptoms for at least six weeks and isolation if they become symptomatic.
A person is not considered contagious until they show symptoms.
“I am concerned about the individuals exposed to this virus on the cruise ship, but I don’t have concerns about an infection spreading widely,” Utah State Epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen said. “While we are learning more about the Andes strain and how it is transmitted, we understand how to stop it from spreading .”
Hantaviruses are usually spread through contact with wild rodent droppings or urine. The strain in the Hondius outbreak, Andes virus, can spread from person-to-person in limited circumstances. It typically requires close contact with a person who is actively sick with the disease. It is not known to spread through casual contact such as shaking hands or being in the same room for a few minutes. There have been no documented cases where a person without symptoms spread it to someone else.