What is the current situation? – Click here for more information
• CDC is responding to a deadly outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, among passengers and crew of a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
• To date, no cases of Andes virus have been confirmed in the United States as a result of this outbreak.
•The risk of a pandemic caused by this outbreak and the overall risk to the American public and travelers is extremely low.

What is happening in New Jersey? – Click here for more information
• NJDOH is working with local health officials to monitor any residents that have had exposure to infected individuals
o At this time: There are no cases of hantavirus in New Jersey, and the risk to New Jersey residents remains extremely low.
• These cases are caused by the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is primarily spread by rodents in South America, but is the only strain of hantavirus known to be able to spread between persons after close contact with an infected, symptomatic individual.
• There are a small number of U.S. residents that may have been exposed to infected individuals.

What is Hantavirus? – Click here for more information
• Hantaviruses are a family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death.
• They are spread mainly by rodents.

What is Andes Virus? – Click here for more information
• The Andes virus is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread person-to-person. This spread is usually limited to people who have close contact with the ill person.

How does it spread?
• Through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, or feces
• By touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes
• Through close contact with a person who is sick with Andes virus

How to protect yourself.
• Avoid areas infested with rodents while visiting countries in South America.
• Avoid spread between people by:
• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding kissing and sexual contact with someone who may have Andes virus
• Avoid sharing drinks, cigarettes, hookah, and vapes with someone who may have Andes virus
• Avoid sharing eating utensils or eating food from the same plate or bowl as someone who may have Andes virus
• Maintaining distance from someone who may have Andes virus

Frequently Asked Questions:
Andes Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship: Frequently Asked Questions