The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirm one person from North Carolina is among the passengers evacuated from the cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak.
That passenger, along with 15 other Americans, was transferred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s National Quarantine Unit for monitoring. No further details are being shared about the individual to protect their privacy. Symptoms of hantavirus can develop between four to 42 days after being exposed.
On a call with reporters Tuesday, state health officials said they’re monitoring the situation, but added there’s no reason for people in North Carolina to worry about an increased risk of contracting the virus.
North Carolina Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Carl Williams says the risk of infection in North Carolina remains extremely low.
“We’ve only had one case identified in North Carolina and that was in 1995. In the Southeast, it’s an extremely rare disease,” Williams told reporters Tuesday.
Hantavirus is spread through prolonged close contact with rodents or rodent droppings, but the Andes rodent associated with this strain of the virus is not native to the Carolinas.
“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.”
While three deaths on the MV Hondius caused by the virus have garnered international attention in recent days, the state veterinarian reiterated this is not another global pandemic like COVID-19.
“This is a virus that is not easily transmitted. So, this is not something that’s going to become a pandemic,” Williams said.
He said for those traveling this summer or planning a cruise, there’s no reason to cancel those plans.
“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.”
According to officials with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, federal health authorities will decide when quarantined passengers will return to their home states.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
SUBSCRIBEHence then, the article about nc health officials are monitoring the hantavirus outbreak but say north carolina isn t at risk was published today ( ) and is available on NC news line ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( NC health officials are monitoring the hantavirus outbreak, but say North Carolina isn’t at risk )
Also on site :