Officials in Arizona, Georgia monitoring some hantavirus cruise ship passengers who have returned to US

Officials emphasized that hantavirus does not typically spread person-to-person in most forms found in the United States. The current monitoring efforts are described as precautionary while health departments continue evaluating potential exposure risks.

Symptoms Health Officials Are Watching For

Early symptoms of hantavirus infection can resemble the flu and may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Chills
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort

In severe cases, the illness can progress to breathing difficulties and a dangerous lung condition known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Health authorities are encouraging anyone who traveled on the affected cruise and develops symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers about their travel history.