Hantavirus monitoring completed for Texas passengers from the MV Hondius

The two Texas residents who were being monitored for hantavirus have successfully completed their monitoring period with no sign of infection. It has been 42 days since their last possible exposure to hantavirus, which is the longest known period between exposure and developing symptoms. They are no longer under any public health recommendations regarding their exposure.

"I'd like to thank the passengers for their willingness to collaborate with public health throughout the monitoring period," said Chief State Epidemiologist Varun Shetty, MD. "I would also like to thank the many dedicated public health professionals who worked on this situation and work every day to keep their fellow Texans safe."

Monitoring was recommended for everyone who was aboard the MV Hondius after some passengers became sick with the Andes strain of hantavirus while aboard the ship. The Texas passengers disembarked the ship and returned home before the outbreak was identified and were evaluated in person twice daily by public health while isolating at home.

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