AP
ALBANY, N.Y. — Three New York residents who were passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak have arrived at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
According to a statement from New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, one passenger is from New York City and the other two are from Orange and Westchester counties.
Despite a cruise ship outbreak of a rare rodent-borne illness, global health officials say the risk to the general public remains low because hantavirus germs do not easily spread between people.
All three are expected to be monitored for 42 days.
McDonald said the department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to gather more information.
It is not yet clear how long the residents will remain in Nebraska or when they might return to New York.
McDonald said, “At this point, it is important to emphasize that there is no immediate risk to the public.”
The department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.