In a shocking turn of events, Ontario County, New York, is currently grappling with a suspected case of hantavirus involving a Geneva High School student.
The Department of Health is investigating this unique situation, only the second hantavirus case in the county since the turn of the millennium.
Good news for the student's wellbeing – the case is mild, and fortunately, the student does not need to isolate themselves.
As public health officials continue monitoring the Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship incident that took place aboard the MV Honduras in early April. That rare strain can pass from person to person and has a roughly 40% fatality rate.
Unfortunately, three passengers tragically lost their lives, and eighteen Americans were flown back to the nation and placed in quarantine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Atlanta facilities.
New York State Health officials have repeatedly emphasized that the risk to the general public within the state remains extremely low, with no cases of the cruise-ship virus among New York residents.
