Doctors say contracting hantavirus is rare, and the possibility of a pandemic at this point is unlikely. Health experts say as travelers prepare to depart from their cruises in New Orleans, they should not be fearful to get on board.
“There’s only been about 900 cases since we’ve been tracking it since 1993, so not necessary to cancel any future plans,” said Dr. Courtney Washington.
Dr. Washington says if you have a cruise scheduled, you don’t have to call off your trip, but you do need to take caution.
“Usually, with travelers on a cruise in closed spaces, not every room has a balcony or open air, so it is very common for respiratory illnesses to spread rapidly on cruise ships,” said Washington.
Proper ventilation on board and washing your hands regularly are tips health experts recommend.
It comes after an alarming outbreak on a cruise ship sailing from Argentina, which dispersed some passengers in the United States, including our neighboring state, Texas, where the Department of Health confirmed two residents are passengers possibly exposed to the virus.
“It’s only contracted by rodents’ feces or droppings, so never sweep up any droppings in a closed area without windows being opened and with it being dry,” said Washington.
Unlike COVID, doctors say transmission between humans is uncommon. It’s recommended to monitor yourself for severe flu-like symptoms.
At least three people are dead, and several others reported sick, according to the World Health Organization.
It’s prompting several cruise lines operating in New Orleans, including Carnival and Norwegian, to implement safety measures, including social distancing and reducing capacity in public areas.
In a statement, the Royal Caribbean says, in part, “Isolation and quarantine may be required to prevent exposure. A guest diagnosed on board with an infectious disease will need to isolate near the ship’s medical center.”
The CDC says in Louisiana, there have been a total of 8 hantavirus cases since 1993, with the most recent case being reported in 2023.
READ MORE:Cruise lines release statements following hantavirus concerns
