CDC says there are no U.S. hantavirus cases currently, 41 people being monitored
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported no hantavirus cases in the country as of Thursday but is monitoring 41 people for the virus following a cruise ship outbreak.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 11 hantavirus cases linked to the outbreak, including three deaths, with eight cases verified through lab testing.
- Despite concerns about a potential global health crisis, experts emphasize that the Andes strain of hantavirus does not spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the public remains low.
- The virus's long incubation period means more confirmed cases may appear in the coming weeks, though widespread transmission is considered unlikely.
- Some public health experts criticize the U.S. response to the outbreak, citing CDC staffing cuts and the decision to leave the WHO as factors that have weakened readiness for new health emergencies.