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WHO reacts to fears of a COVID-style hantavirus pandemic

At least two New Jersey residents were potentially exposed to a person infected with hantavirus after the patient left the MV Hondius ocean vessel at the center of an outbreak .

These residents were not passengers on the ship and were potentially exposed during air travel abroad. They are currently being monitored by health authorities, showing no symptoms of the virus.

The hantavirus outbreak has resulted in at least three deaths and eight confirmed or suspected cases, with several other states also monitoring disembarked passengers.

Health officials, including the CDC and WHO, emphasize that the risk to the American public from this outbreak remains "extremely low" and is not comparable to a COVID-19-like pandemic.

Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, with…