This browser does not support the Video element.
CDC notifies King Co., WA of possible Hantavirus resident exposures
Three residents in King County, Washington were exposed to the Hantavirus strain found on the cruise ship outbreak in May 2026. Two of those residents were on a plane next to someone who tested positive with the deadly virus linked to the ship outbreak.
On Tuesday, Public Health – Seattle & King County announced that three King County residents were possibly exposed to the Andes type of hantavirus connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship.
What we know:
Two of the local residents were on a plane near a sick cruise ship passenger who later tested positive for the virus. Those two residents are currently at home and show no symptoms. A third resident, who was a passenger on the MV Hondius, is being monitored at a national quarantine center in Nebraska
What we don't know:
It is unknown when the specific exposure occurred or how long the residents will remain under official monitoring before being cleared.
What are the symptoms and signs?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hantaviruses cause two syndromes, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
Hantaviruses found in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States, can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the United States is spread by the deer mouse.
It is severe and can be a deadly disease that affects the lungs.
Symptoms of HPS usually start to show 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent.
Early symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders
About half of all HPS patients also experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Abdominal problems, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
Four to 10 days after the initial phase of illness, the late symptoms of HPS appear.
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Patients might experience tightness in the chest, as the lungs fill with fluid.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a disease that affects the kidneys. The CDC said symptoms usually develop within 1 to 2 weeks after exposure and in rare cases, they may take up to 8 weeks to develop.
Initial symptoms include:
- Intense headaches
- Back and abdominal pain
- Fever/chills
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
Later symptoms include:
- Low blood pressure
- Lack of blood flow (acute shock)
- Internal bleeding (vascular leakage)
- Acute kidney failure, which can cause severe fluid overload
Anyone with potential exposure should contact a physician immediately. According to the CDC, there is no specific treatment; however, patients should receive supportive care, including rest, hydration and symptom management.
The Source: Information in this story came from the CDC and Public Health-Seattle and King County.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
3 names emerge as potential Seattle Seahawks buyers
Seattle man investigated after video shows him throwing rock at Hawaii monk seal
Seattle-area hit with major traffic disruptions this weekend
Eastern WA winery with 4.5M gallons engulfed in flames
Dispute over Seattle Children’s helipad noise sparks public outcry
WA's first wildfire of the season in Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest now 100% contained
Boater appeared passed out before crashing into rocks in Steilacoom
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.