ALBANY, NY – Concerns surrounding the Hantavirus have prompted questions about whether the virus could pose a threat in New York following reports tied to passengers aboard a cruise ship.
Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, said New Yorkers currently face no immediate risk from the virus and emphasized that Hantavirus spreads very differently from illnesses such as COVID-19.
“I think what’s important to note, though, is that it’s not spread easily from one person to the other,” McDonald said. “You don’t just walk by the person. It’s prolonged, close personal contact.”
McDonald explained that documented person-to-person transmission cases have generally involved people living closely together for extended periods of time, such as married couples.
“The virus isn’t traditionally spread through the air or droplets like COVID was at all,” he said. “It’s really spread by body fluids and through close personal contact for a prolonged period of time.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that has raised concerns after reports claimed roughly 40% of infected people die from it. Despite those concerns, McDonald said there is currently no threat to residents in New York.
“What people need to know is that there is no risk to New Yorkers right now,” he said.
McDonald also pointed to lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying public health officials remain prepared to respond if necessary.
“Keep in mind that lessons we learned during the pandemic were core public health practices,” McDonald said. “What’s an exposure? What is contact tracing? How do you monitor the patient for symptoms? These are all core public health skills that still apply here.”
He also urged people to be cautious about misinformation circulating online.
“There’s another thing we should learn from the pandemic,” McDonald said. “Where you get your information from really matters. There’s too much stuff going on in social media right now that’s weird, even by today’s standards on this.”
According to officials, 17 Americans were aboard the cruise ship connected to the concerns. About half have since returned to the United States and are quarantining in five different states. Officials said none of those individuals are in New York.