Psst\u2026 Check Out Type 1 Diabetes Isn\u2019t Always Obvious: Signs, Testing & Support<\/a><\/p>\n Why Experts Say There\u2019s No Need to Panic<\/p>\n According to Dr. El Khoury, people potentially exposed to the virus are already being monitored closely. Unlike COVID-19, hantavirus is not easily spread from person to person.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they acquired the virus, they are not contagious until they develop symptoms, and would be quarantined promptly before unknowingly exposing others,\u201d he explains. \u201cTransmission requires close contact such as kissing, sharing food, sexual contact, or prolonged exposure such as living with someone.\u201d<\/p>\n That means casual day-to-day interactions in schools, stores, playgrounds, or public transportation are not considered a risk.<\/p>\n How This Differs From COVID<\/p>\n Many parents understandably hear the words \u201cvirus outbreak\u201d and immediately think back to early 2020. But experts stress that this situation is very different.<\/p>\n \u201cCOVID is much more contagious with a shorter contact period,\u201d Dr. El Khoury says. \u201cIt can be contagious before symptoms start.\u201d<\/p>\n The strain involved in this outbreak is the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus found in parts of South America, and has existed for decades without causing epidemics or pandemics. It spreads far less easily than COVID-19 and does not rapidly evolve into more contagious forms.<\/p>\n Should Families Avoid Cruise Ships?<\/p>\n Not according to experts.<\/p>\n \u201cCruise ships are okay to go on,\u201d Dr. El Khoury says. \u201cThere is no risk from being on a cruise ship itself.\u201d<\/p>\n The concern connected to this particular trip stemmed from some travelers visiting an area known to have rodents infected with the virus. In other words, the risk was tied to a specific excursion and exposure, not cruise travel in general.<\/p>\n He notes that the only higher-risk situation would involve prolonged close contact with someone actively infected with the Andes virus, such as sharing a bedroom or bathroom with them.<\/p>\n What About Mice in NY Homes?<\/p>\n For city parents, one of the biggest questions is whether seeing a mouse at home should now be more alarming.<\/p>\n The good news: the types of mice commonly found in New York homes are not known to carry the Andes virus.<\/p>\n \u201cMice in homes do not carry the Andes virus,\u201d Dr. El Khoury says.<\/p>\n He adds that the Sin Nombre virus, a different hantavirus strain found in the United States, is primarily associated with deer mice in rural areas of the Western U.S., including New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.<\/p>\n Even then, cases are rare. Between 2008 and 2020, the CDC reported 335 cases, mostly in western states.<\/p>\n Basic Mouse Safety Still Matters<\/p>\n While New York house mice are not considered a hantavirus threat, experts still recommend being careful around rodent droppings because mice can carry other illnesses.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re cleaning areas with mouse droppings:<\/p>\n Wear gloves What Parents Should Take Away From This<\/p>\n Experts say NY-area families do not need to change routines, avoid public spaces, or cancel summer travel plans because of this outbreak.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not something that should create panic,\u201d Dr. El Khoury says. \u201cThere\u2019s no need for families to change anything about their daily lives right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Psst\u2026 Check Out Why NYC Spring Allergies Feel Worse<\/a><\/p>\n
\nAvoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings
\nUse disinfectant or a bleach solution first
\nWash your hands thoroughly afterward<\/p>\n
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