KDHE, CDC monitor individuals exposed to Andes hantavirus

KANSAS (KQTV) -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the local health department, said it is monitoring three individuals with a high-risk exposure to a person with confirmed Andes hantavirus.

High-risk exposure may include prolonged close contact or shared living space with a symptomatic individual, or close proximity during travel.

The exposure occurred internationally after contact with an individual from the MV Hondius cruise ship, who later tested positive for Andes hantavirus.

The three individuals in Kansas were not aboard the ship and are not experiencing symptoms, according to a news release.

"Based on our current knowledge of Andes virus, individuals are not considered infectious to others unless they become symptomatic," the KDHE said in the release. "At this time, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of hantavirus in Kansas. KDHE continues to assess the risk to the public from the Andes hantavirus as extremely low."

Hantaviruses are usually spread through contact with wild rodent droppings, urine or saliva, and are found in the Americas, including the United States, although primarily in the Western U.S., according to the release.

On average, the U.S. identifies 30 people with hantavirus every year.

The Andes virus, which is known to be able to spread from person to person in situations involving close, prolonged contact with a person who is exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

Based on what health officials currently know, a person is not considered infectious and able to spread the Andes virus to other people until they begin to develop symptoms themselves.

Symptoms of the Andes virus infection usually begin within four to 42 days after exposure.

Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Several days after the onset of initial symptoms can make people develop a severe illness that affects the lungs (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome), which can cause cough, chest tightness and difficulty breathing, which can be fatal.

According to the news release, there is not specific treatment available and care focuses on supporting the person through their illness.