HOUSTON – The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that two Texas residents who were aboard an expedition cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak are currently symptom-free and being monitored as a precaution.
According to DSHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified state officials that the individuals were passengers on the MV Hondius, which experienced an outbreak while traveling in the Atlantic Ocean.
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The two Texans had already disembarked and returned to the United States before the outbreak was identified, officials said.
Public health officials have since contacted both individuals. They reported no symptoms and said they did not have contact with anyone who was ill during the voyage.
As a precaution, the two Texans have agreed to monitor their health, including daily temperature checks, and to notify health officials if any symptoms develop.
Hantaviruses are rare but potentially serious viruses typically spread through exposure to infected rodents, particularly via droppings, urine, or saliva.
The strain linked to the ship outbreak is the Andes virus, a type of Hantavirus infection known for its limited ability to spread from person to person, DSHS experts said.
Health officials emphasize that transmission of the Andes virus between people is uncommon and generally requires close, prolonged contact with someone who is actively sick. It is not believed to spread through casual interactions, such as brief contact or sharing the same space.
Additionally, there have been no documented cases of asymptomatic individuals transmitting the virus.
DSHS said it will not release any additional personal information about the passengers in order to protect their privacy.