A passenger who was aboard a cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak has returned to Santa Clara County and is being monitored by local health officials, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department announced on Sunday.
The resident, whose identity has not been disclosed, is one of several individuals linked to the outbreak that has affected passengers on a recent voyage. The health department stated that the resident is not currently showing symptoms but is under observation as a precautionary measure.
Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease that can be transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The outbreak on the cruise ship has raised concerns due to the confined environment, though health officials emphasize that person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the community. No additional cases have been reported in the county as of now.
