This browser does not support the Video element.
3 New Yorkers evacuated from hantavirus cruise ship
Three passengers of the cruise ship connected to a potential hantavirus outbreak are New York state residents.
NEW YORK - Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke with the governors of other states whose residents were passengers on the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship.
ITALY - 2026/05/10: In this photo illustration, a laboratory test tubes containing blood to be analyzed for the Hantavirus "Orthohantavirus" outbreak, held by a nurse. These are RNA viruses transmitted to humans primarily by wild rodents (mice and ra …
Hochul plans with other governors
What we know:
The governor's office told FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay that the call Hochul was on was led by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the acting CDC Director, and Dr. David Fitter.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Experts talk hantavirus risk for New Yorkers
Two New Jersey residents may be contaminated with hantavirus. FOX 5 NY's Stephanie Bertini speaks to experts on the subject about potential risks.
The state leaders discussed the necessity of remaining aligned in coordination during the monitoring period for the former passengers.
Both doctors confirmed that none of the patients currently waiting at a Nebraska Air Force base are currently symptomatic or positive.
What is hantavirus?
Dig deeper:
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses primarily spread to humans through contact with infected rodents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People can become infected by breathing in virus particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva, especially in enclosed spaces that have not been cleaned properly. The virus can also spread through rodent bites in rare cases.
In the United States, hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS, a severe respiratory illness that can be deadly.
TOPSHOT - This aerial picture shows a general view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has …
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms often resemble the flu and can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Nausea or stomach problems
As the illness progresses, some patients develop coughing and severe shortness of breath as fluid builds up in the lungs.
The CDC says hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a fatality rate of about 35%.
How to reduce your risk
What you can do:
Health officials recommend:
- Avoiding contact with rodents and rodent droppings
- Sealing holes or openings in homes
- Using gloves and masks when cleaning rodent-infested areas
- Avoiding sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings directly, which can spread particles into the air
The CDC advises using disinfectant and proper ventilation when cleaning enclosed spaces where rodents may be present.
The Source: This article includes reporting by FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay.