A Geneva High School student is at the center of a suspected hantavirus case under investigation in Ontario County, the Geneva City School District confirmed to 13WHAM on Friday.
Ontario County Public Health Director Kate Ott said the patient will not need to quarantine, and there is no risk to other students or staff. “The hantavirus that occurs in the U.S. is not spread person to person,” Ott said. “It is spread between mice and humans. If I have it and I sneeze on you, you’re not going to get it.”
The announcement lands against a backdrop of heightened concern in the region, though Ott confirmed the case is unrelated to the ongoing Dutch cruise ship outbreak that has killed three people and sickened at least 11 others.
Superintendent Bo Wright said the district is working with the county health department and following its guidance, adding that “health officials have advised there is no evidence of risk to other students or staff related to this situation.” Ott noted Ontario County has recorded only one other suspected hantavirus case in the past 20 years.
This is a developing story.
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