NC Health Officials Monitor Hantavirus Outbreak, Say State Not at Risk
State health officials confirm one NC resident was evacuated from cruise ship amid deadly hantavirus outbreak but stress extremely low risk to North Carolinians.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina health officials are monitoring a deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, after confirming that one state resident was among passengers evacuated from the affected vessel.
The North Carolina passenger, along with 15 other Americans, was transferred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s National Quarantine Unit for monitoring following the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. Three deaths have been reported from the virus, which has garnered international attention in recent days.
Low Risk for North Carolina Residents
During a Tuesday call with reporters, state health officials emphasized that North Carolinians face minimal risk of contracting the virus. The Andes rodent associated with this particular strain of hantavirus is not native to the Carolinas.
“We’ve only had one case identified in North Carolina and that was in 1995. In the Southeast, it’s an extremely rare disease,” said Dr. Carl Williams, North Carolina Public Health Veterinarian.
Hantavirus spreads through prolonged close contact with rodents or rodent droppings. Williams explained that the virus poses concerns primarily for people traveling to specific regions where it is endemic.
Travel Concerns Limited to Specific Regions
“This is something that is concerning if you live in Argentina or you travel there,” Williams said. “Likewise, if you travel to or visit the Four Corners region or parts of California where this disease is endemic, it could be a concern. It’s really not something we suggest that people should worry about here in North Carolina.”
Symptoms of hantavirus can develop between four to 42 days after exposure. No additional details about the North Carolina passenger are being shared to protect their privacy.
Williams stressed that unlike COVID-19, this outbreak will not develop into a global pandemic. “This is a virus that is not easily transmitted. So, this is not something that’s going to become a pandemic,” he said.
Summer Travel Plans Unaffected
The state veterinarian advised that travelers planning summer vacations or cruises should not cancel their plans due to the hantavirus outbreak. He noted that cruise ships have historically dealt with different health challenges.
“The cruise ship industry has historically been associated with norovirus outbreaks, which is a gastrointestinal illness,” Williams said. “Although they’ve made a lot of strides in reducing the number of outbreaks, it brings to mind — always wash your hands, before you eat, after you use the restroom. Basic cleanliness.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the North Carolina connection to the outbreak and continues to monitor the situation alongside state health officials.
