Americans exposed to hantavirus on ship enjoy Nebraska hospitality while in quarantine
KSL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Eighteen American passengers exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship are quarantined at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with no symptoms reported so far, but their full 42-day quarantine status remains undecided by the CDC.
- The Andes virus strain detected may spread between people in rare cases, prompting health officials to enforce a lengthy quarantine due to its incubation period of one to eight weeks.
- Passengers are accommodated in specialized negative-pressure rooms with amenities and are receiving local Nebraska foods and virtual activities to help pass the time during quarantine.
- Globally, 12 illnesses linked to the MV Hondius outbreak have been confirmed, including a recent case in the Netherlands, with three deaths reported earlier; over 600 contacts in 30 countries are being monitored.
- Health officials, including the CDC and University of Nebraska leadership, continue to evaluate new cases to guide quarantine decisions, emphasizing careful monitoring and individual assessments for passenger release.