Hantavirus Outbreak Cruise Ship: Westchester, Orange County Residents Among Those Now Returning Home

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Three New Yorkers, including one from Westchester County, and one from Orange County, were aboard the cruise ship where a deadly outbreak took place, according to state health officials.

In a statement, New York Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said three New York residents are returning to the U.S. from the MV Hondius cruise ship.

"Today, three New York residents who were passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship arrived at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska," McDonald said. "One passenger is from New York City, while the other two are residents of Orange County and Westchester County. All three are expected to be subject to a 42-day monitoring period."

Health officials said contingencies are being put in place should the travelers decide to return to New York.

"While the Department is working in close coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to gather information, at this point it is unclear how long they will stay in Nebraska and whether, or when those individuals intend to return to New York," McDonald said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and working with the CDC and local health departments.

In total, 18 Americans have been flown to Nebraska after being exposed to the virus on the cruise ship. Health experts say the risk to the general public remains extremely low. It doesn’t spread rapidly like COVID-19, and it is typically linked to direct rodent contact.

The state's top health official stressed that there are no public health concerns at this time.

"At this point, it is important to emphasize that there is no immediate risk to the public," McDonald said. "We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed."

The latest information from the CDC can be found here.