Tag: virus

Health Officials Calm Fears After Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak

New Mexico health officials moved quickly to calm fears after reports of a cruise ship hantavirus outbreak abroad. They emphasized that the local Sin Nombre strain does not spread person‑to‑person, unlike the Andes strain linked to the ship. Officials urged residents to follow prevention guidelines — wearing masks and gloves when cleaning rodent areas and disinfecting droppings with bleach — to reduce risk. They confirmed that no New Mexicans were aboard the ship and only one local case has been reported in 2026. By clarifying the difference between strains and reinforcing safe practices, officials reassured the public and prevented unnecessary alarm while keeping awareness high.