The Barnstable County Department of Health is monitoring the ongoing investigation into the cruise ship cases of the Andes virus.
There are no confirmed cases in the county, and the public health risk is very low.
Health officials say the Andes virus is a rare form of hantavirus which is transmitted by contact with infected rodents or exposure to their droppings, urine, or saliva.
It's the only hantavirus with documented potential for person-to-person transmission, but that is not common.
Local officials are coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC and following established federal guidance.
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