SPOKANE, Wash. — The Department of Health is closely tracking hantavirus as six people in Washington are being monitored for possible exposure. Two of those people live in eastern Washington, but health officials in Spokane say there is no reason to be alarmed.
Health officials say the hantavirus is not the next COVID-19.
“I think it’s good to be aware, but I wouldn’t be alarmed. the potential, risk for the community at large is extremely low and remains extremely low,” said Dr. Francisco Velázquez from the Spokane Regional Health District.
The cases from the Hondius cruise ship are of the Andes strain which can be transmitted from person to person. Six people from Washington are being monitored for possible exposure, but right now don’t have any symptoms.
The Spokane Regional Health District says the risk of this strain being transmitted is low, and that there has never been a confirmed case in the United States.
“That human to human transmission requires a prolonged, exposure, closed, very close contact. Typically people that, share the same bed, etc., etc. is not just like you and I being here six feet from each other,” Velázquez said.
Health officials say another strain of the virus has been more prevalent in Washington. The state averages just one to five cases each year.
This strain is primarily transmitted by breathing in airborne viral particles stirred up from dried rodent urine or droppings from deer mice.
The Chelan-Douglas Health District has reported one of these cases. But still, officials urge that the risk of infection is low.
“In Spokane. we’ve had two. 1 in 2017 and 1 in 2024, associated with exposure to, mice, droppings, etc.,” Velázquez said.
The Spokane Regional Health District says they are closely tracking the situation, and that all information being shared right now is to keep the public informed. They encourage anyone who is concerned to visit their website.
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