BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Health officials say there are no suspected or confirmed cases of Hantavirus in Kentucky or in the eight-county region served by the Barren River District Health Department.

Officials also said there have been no known exposures in Kentucky. That includes no connection to the Andes strain of the virus and no reported travel linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius.

State and local health leaders said they are prepared to respond if a case is identified. They said any confirmed case would trigger immediate follow-up.

That response would include risk assessment, contact tracing and preventive steps.

Health departments and medical providers would also be notified, officials said.

Prevention steps for hantavirus exposure:

• Wear gloves and a respirator mask when entering areas where rodents may be present, such as barns, cabins and storage spaces.
• Open doors and windows and allow enclosed spaces to air out for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
• Do not dry sweep or vacuum rodent droppings or nesting materials.
• Spray or dampen contaminated areas with disinfectant before cleaning.
• Use a mop, sponge or paper towels to clean up waste after it has been moistened.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after cleaning.

For updates, officials recommend following the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Barren River District Health Department on social media.