Situation
There is an outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Three King County residents were potentially exposed. None of the exposed King County residents currently have symptoms of hantavirus. No other Washington residents have been reported as being exposed to Andes virus. Currently, no one in Washington is known to be infected with the Andes virus. The risk to the public remains low.
About hantavirus
Hantavirus infections are rare but can cause severe illness. They primarily spread from exposure to wild rodents, especially when people are exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva. There are multiple types of hantavirus. The Andes virus, which is the type found in the cruise ship outbreak, is the only known type to spread person-to-person. In prior Andes virus outbreaks, person-to-person transmission has occurred through direct physical contact, exposure to the sick person’s bodily fluids, or prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces.
Symptoms of hantavirus infections include:
- Fever, subjective or measured ≥ 100.4F (38C)
- New or worsening:
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches/back pain
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Difficult breathing/shortness of breath
If you suspect hantavirus call Grays Harbor at (360) 532-8631 and ask for Communicable Disease Nurse.
Sin Nombre virus, a different strain of hantavirus, is typically found in deer and mice in Washington, but is not known to spread person-to-person. Typically, less than 5 people in Washington are infected with Sin Nombre virus each year.
More information and resources:
- Information from Public Health Seattle & King County on the exposed King County residents
- CDC health alert on the Andes virus outbreak
- Hantavirus information from the World Health Organization, including the international response to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak
- Information on hantaviruses from the Washington State Department of Health