- Three Utahns from the MV Hondius cruise returned to the U.S. Sunday.
- Utah health officials are preparing to prevent Andes hantavirus spread among returning passengers to Utah.
- Passengers will be monitored for symptoms daily for six weeks upon return.
SALT LAKE CITY — Three Utahns aboard the MV Hondius were returned to the U.S. on Sunday, along with the other 15 Americans on the ship.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services said Monday it is planning to work with the cruise ship passengers as they return home, to prevent the spread of the Andes hantavirus. They said the general risk of virus spread to the public is low, but the health department will connect the three individuals with medical care and ensure they isolate themselves from others if symptoms develop.
The first case of hantavirus in a passenger on the cruise ship was confirmed on May 2, and since then, multiple others have been diagnosed. As of Monday morning, six individuals had confirmed cases, including one American, and three passengers on the ship have died.
Because the Andes virus is rare in North America, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with epidemiologists in South America to better understand it.
"We understand the concern about this virus and take our responsibility to protect public health seriously," Utah Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Tracy Gruber said.
For now, all 18 passengers are isolated in medical facilities in Nebraska. They will be monitored at a federal facility and will return home only when health officials determine it is safe. When they get to Utah, the health department said they will still be monitored daily for symptoms for six weeks and will begin isolation at the onset of any symptoms.
Someone is not considered contagious until they show symptoms, as there have been no documented cases of spread from a person without symptoms.
Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist, said there is more to learn about the Andes strain of hantavirus, but health officials already understand how to prevent its spread.
"I am concerned about the individuals exposed to this virus on the cruise ship, but I don't have concerns about an infection spreading widely," she said.
Hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with droppings or urine from wild rodents, but the Andes strain can spread from person-to person "in limited circumstances," according to the health department.
Spread typically requires "close contact" with a person who has the disease, the health department said, more than shaking hands or being in the same room for a few minutes.
While there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus, the World Health Organization says early detection and treatment improve survival rates.
This story may be updated.
