Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — The Alabama Department of Public Health said it is aware of reports involving hantavirus cases connected to passengers who recently traveled aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
According to ADPH, state health officials are working alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health agencies to monitor the situation and assist anyone who may have been exposed.
Officials said no Alabama residents have been identified among those connected to the reported cases, and there are currently no known cases tied to Alabama.
ADPH said the overall risk to the general public remains extremely low. Health officials noted that person-to-person spread of Andes hantavirus is considered rare in the United States.
Hantavirus is typically linked to exposure to rodents such as rats and mice, especially through contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva.
The department is encouraging residents to follow standard public health precautions while traveling and when cleaning areas where rodents may be present.
More information about hantavirus can be found through the Alabama Department of Public Health.
