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DHHS: no U.S. hantavirus cases, Potomac bacteria levels higher after rain; tick season is elevated
Summary
A DHHS representative told the county briefing there are no U.S. hantavirus cases, that cruise‑ship contacts have been quarantined by federal partners, and that recent heavy rain has raised bacteria levels in the Potomac; officials also said this season’s tick activity started earlier and urged precautions.
A representative of Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services provided public‑health updates at the County Executive’s briefing.
The DHHS speaker said the county is tracking epidemiology related to hantavirus and Ebola but that there are "currently no U.S. cases of hantavirus." The speaker added that individuals who had contact with the cruise ship exposure were quarantined and are being tracked by federal partners.
On recreational water safety, DHHS said the recent heavy rains raised bacteria levels in the Potomac. The department is communicating with communities about elevated risk after rain and is awaiting sediment testing results from the Maryland Department of the Environment and University of Maryland.
When asked about tick bites, a DHHS official (addressed in the Q&A as Mr. O'Donnell/Sean) said the region saw an earlier and larger tick season this year, with reports beginning earlier than typical; he advised people to use common precautions such as wearing protective clothing and applying repellent.
DHHS reiterated that risk to the general community remains low for the monitored conditions and pointed to available mobile clinic services and a DHHS phone line for mental‑health and mobile clinic information.
