The New Jersey Department of Health announced it was notified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that two state residents have possibly been exposed to hantavirus. The department did not immediately release additional details about the individuals, the location of the exposure, or when it occurred.

Hantavirus is a rare but serious viral illness that can cause severe respiratory disease. The virus is carried by rodents, particularly deer mice, and is transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, or through inhalation of dust contaminated with these materials. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by shortness of breath and coughing as the disease progresses to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can be fatal.

Health officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to rodent infestations to take precautions: avoid sweeping or vacuuming contaminated areas, instead wet surfaces with a disinfectant solution before cleanup, and seal up entry points to prevent rodents from entering homes and workplaces.

The New Jersey Department of Health is working with the CDC to investigate the potential exposures and provide guidance to the affected individuals. No further public health measures have been announced, and the risk to the general public is believed to be low, as hantavirus is not spread from person to person.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rodent control and proper cleanup procedures, especially in rural or wooded areas where deer mice are common. Anyone with questions about hantavirus can contact their local health department or visit the CDC website for detailed information.

SysCall News will update this story as more information becomes available.