NC Officials Say State Risk Remains Low for Hantavirus

Health officials are continuing to monitor a North Carolina resident exposed aboard a cruise vessel linked to a hantavirus outbreak, while emphasizing that there are no confirmed cases in the state and no evidence of community spread.The patient was evacuated from the M/V Hondius and is currently being observed in a federal quarantine facility at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The case is being coordinated through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State and federal officials say monitoring is precautionary, with exposure tracking continuing through a full incubation window of up to 42 days.Governor Josh Stein said the state has no current infections and that risk to residents remains low.CDC: Andes virus is a rare hantavirus with limited human spreadAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Andes virus is a rare type of hantavirus that can cause a severe respiratory illness known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). The CDC notes that:

• Andes virus is the only known hantavirus capable of spreading from person to person

• Transmission is generally limited to close, prolonged contact, including household exposure, intimate contact, or shared enclosed spaces

• The rodents that carry Andes virus have not been identified in the United States

CDC guidance explains that infection typically occurs through exposure to infected rodents or contaminated materials such as urine, saliva, or feces, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then contacting the face.

The agency also states that symptoms typically appear 4 to 42 days after exposure, and people are generally only infectious while symptomatic.

Symptoms and severity

CDC information indicates early symptoms of Andes virus infection can resemble influenza and may include:

• Fever and fatigue

• Muscle aches, especially in the back, hips, and large muscle groups

• Headache, chills, and dizziness

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

In severe cases, illness can progress rapidly to respiratory failure. Health officials warn that hantavirus infections can be serious and require urgent medical attention if symptoms develop after possible exposure.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Andes virus. Care is supportive, focused on managing symptoms and complications.

Health officials: risk in North Carolina remains extremely low

Dr. David Priest, chief safety, quality and epidemiology officer at Novant Health, said the situation does not indicate a broader public health threat within the state.

He noted that hantavirus cases in the United States are rare—typically around 30 per year—and are most often associated with rodent exposure in western states.

Priest emphasized that human-to-human spread, while possible with Andes virus, requires prolonged close contact and has not been shown to occur in casual community settings.

“There is very little risk to the public,” he said, adding that infections generally require specific exposure scenarios involving either rodents or close contact with a symptomatic individual.

Prevention guidance

CDC recommendations for reducing risk include avoiding contact with rodents and areas of infestation, particularly in affected regions of South America. The agency also advises:

• Frequent handwashing

• Avoiding shared drinks, utensils, cigarettes, or vaping devices with an infected person

• Avoiding close physical contact with someone who may be symptomatic

• Cleaning rodent-contaminated areas using protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection

Officials say early recognition is critical, as symptoms can develop quickly and may require urgent medical care.

Ongoing monitoring

Health authorities say the exposed individual and other U.S. passengers will continue to be monitored for the full incubation period. Additional information is expected in the coming weeks as public health investigations continue and exposure timelines are clarified.