The Georgia Department of Public Health says it is actively monitoring two Georgia residents who recently returned from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been linked to a rare hantavirus outbreak.
Officials say both individuals are currently symptom-free and following CDC guidance. Hantavirus is typically spread through exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva- and human-to-human transmission is considered extremely rare, making this outbreak especially concerning to health experts.
According to CBS News, the ship has been thoroughly sanitized and passengers have been told to closely monitor for symptoms.
The CDC and international health agencies are now working to trace the source of exposure and prevent further spread.
Georgia health officials say there is currently no immediate risk to the public, but the situation is being closely watched.
