ATLANTA — Dozens of passengers who were on a cruise ship where hantavirus cases were confirmed have returned to the United States and are under public health monitoring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday.
Health officials confirmed at least three cases of hantavirus infection linked to the vessel, which had been sailing in the Caribbean before returning to a Florida port last week. The passengers were transferred to medical facilities in the U.S. for evaluation and monitoring after showing symptoms consistent with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, according to CDC and state health department statements.
The CDC said the affected individuals are receiving supportive care, and no additional severe cases have been reported among the roughly 2,000 passengers and crew who were aboard. Contact tracing and testing efforts are continuing, officials said. Hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person but is typically spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
Florida health authorities, working with the CDC, identified the initial cases after several passengers sought medical attention upon disembarkation. Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can include fever, muscle aches, and rapid onset of respiratory distress. Early detection and medical intervention are critical, the CDC noted.
“This is a rare but serious situation, and we are taking every precaution to protect public health,” said Dr. Rachel Levine, a CDC official, in a briefing on Monday. “Passengers who may have been exposed are being contacted and advised on symptoms to watch for.”
The cruise line issued a statement confirming cooperation with health authorities and said enhanced cleaning protocols were implemented on the ship. It has not released the name of the vessel or the specific itinerary citing ongoing investigations. Details on where the rodent exposure may have occurred remain under review, officials said.
Hantavirus infections are uncommon in the United States, with an average of about 30 cases reported annually, mostly in the western states, according to CDC historical data. Outbreaks linked to cruise ships or large vessels are extremely rare. The agency has not identified any risk to the broader public at this time.
As of Tuesday morning, the monitored passengers remained in stable condition or under observation at designated facilities in Florida and Georgia. Federal and state officials continue to investigate the source of the exposure on the ship, with results expected in the coming days. No new cases have been confirmed outside the initial group.
