Eighteen Americans evacuated from a cruise ship after possible exposure to hantavirus are being closely monitored by health officials in Nebraska, as authorities say the risk to the public remains "very, very low."
Officials said one passenger aboard the Dutch vessel, which had been sailing in South America, died from the virus. The group was flown to the United States and is under observation at a medical facility in Nebraska.
Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. It can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assisting with the monitoring.
Local health officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the general public, as the individuals are isolated and being monitored for symptoms. The incubation period for hantavirus is typically one to eight weeks.
