Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— As public health officials around the world monitor a rare hantavirus outbreak tied to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, health experts say the overall risk to residents in Illinois remains low, though the illness serves as a reminder about the dangers of rodent-borne diseases.

The outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has drawn international attention after at least three people died and several others became ill with hantavirus, according to the World Health Organization. Health agencies are now tracking passengers who left the ship in multiple countries, including the United States.

According to health experts, hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease spread primarily through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine, and saliva. Early symptoms often resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches. In severe cases, the virus can lead to serious respiratory complications known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Hantavirus Far Less Contagious than COVID-19

While the outbreak has raised concerns online, experts interviewed by multiple national outlets said the virus is far less contagious than illnesses such as COVID-19. The strain involved in the cruise ship outbreak, known as the Andes strain, is one of the few forms of hantavirus capable of limited person-to-person transmission, though officials stress that spread typically requires prolonged close contact.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reportedly classified the incident as a “Level 3” emergency response, the agency’s lowest emergency activation level, indicating there is currently minimal risk to the general public.

In Illinois, hantavirus cases remain extremely rare. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports only a handful of confirmed cases in state history. Illinois recorded its first hantavirus-related death in 1996, another confirmed case in 2005 involving a Kankakee County resident, and a third case in 2012.

Park Forest Recreation Manager Adina McCollough said residents should not panic but should remain aware of how hantavirus spreads and take simple precautions when cleaning areas where rodents may be present.

Still Rare in Illinois

“Hantavirus is still considered very rare in Illinois, but this is a good reminder for residents to be careful when cleaning garages, sheds, basements, and other enclosed spaces where mice or rodents may have been,” McCollough said.

McCollough encouraged residents to avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings because doing so can release harmful particles into the air.

“Instead of sweeping, residents should ventilate the area first, wear gloves, and use disinfectant or a bleach solution to safely clean surfaces,” she said. “Simple precautions can go a long way in protecting yourself and your family.”

She added that spring cleaning season often increases the likelihood that people will disturb rodent nests or droppings that may have accumulated during colder months.

“As more families begin outdoor projects and cleaning around their homes, it’s important to take a few extra minutes to clean safely,” McCollough said. “The risk remains low, but awareness and prevention are always important.”

IDPH: Do Not Sweep or Vacuum Rodent Droppings

The Illinois Department of Public Health similarly advises residents not to sweep or vacuum rodent droppings because doing so can send virus particles into the air. Instead, officials recommend ventilating the area, spraying contaminated surfaces with disinfectant, and wearing gloves during cleanup.

McCollough also encouraged residents to watch for possible symptoms after significant exposure to rodents.

“If someone develops fever, fatigue, or breathing problems after being exposed to rodent droppings, they should seek medical attention right away,” she said. “Early awareness is key.”

For residents of communities such as Park Forest, public health experts say the risk of contracting hantavirus remains very low. However, they say awareness and proper sanitation practices remain important, especially during spring and summer months when many residents begin cleaning garages, sheds, and storage spaces.

This is news from the Village of Park Forest.