PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon health officials are monitoring a state resident who was potentially exposed to the Andes strain of hantavirus during an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
The individual returned to Oregon on June 1 after spending several weeks in quarantine at the National Quarantine Unit (NQU) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The resident, who requested privacy, will remain under quarantine through June 21 as a precautionary measure.
The passenger was among a group of U.S. travelers who disembarked from the MV Hondius in Spain following an outbreak of Andes virus aboard the vessel. The expedition cruise ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1.
After returning to the United States on May 10, the Oregon resident was transported to the Nebraska quarantine facility, where health officials monitored individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The quarantine period extends 42 days from the resident’s return to the United States, reflecting the incubation period associated with Andes virus.
OHA said it has worked closely with federal, state and local partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health authorities, to coordinate the response and ensure the safe return of any Oregon passengers affected by the outbreak.
Health officials emphasized that the risk to the general public remains extremely low.
“OHA reminds people that the risk of infection with Andes virus in Oregon remains extremely low and there are no concerns of transmission to the general public,” the agency said in a statement.
The Andes virus is a strain of hantavirus found primarily in South America. Unlike most hantaviruses, which are typically spread through contact with infected rodents, Andes virus has been documented in rare cases to spread from person to person.
The CDC has issued interim guidance for public health agencies to assist with the assessment and monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed to the virus during the MV Hondius voyage.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation while maintaining that no broader public health threat has been identified in Oregon.
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