18 Americans Exposed on MV Hondius Remain Quarantined in Omaha as 12th Hantavirus Case Emerges
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 22
18 Americans Exposed on MV Hondius Remain Quarantined in Omaha as 12th Hantavirus Case Emerges
7 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 22
Eighteen U.S. passengers from the MV Hondius are still being monitored at Omaha’s National Quarantine Unit, with no symptoms reported so far and no CDC decision yet on whether they must stay the full 42 days.
The long quarantine reflects the Andes hantavirus incubation period of one to eight weeks and concerns that this strain, unlike most hantaviruses, may rarely spread between people.
A 12th illness tied to the ship was confirmed Friday in the Netherlands; three passengers have died, and more than 600 contacts in 30 countries are still being tracked.
In Omaha, the passengers are confined to negative-pressure rooms after arriving with only small bags, though staff have tried to ease the wait with deliveries, internet access and local meals.
CDC officials earlier issued a formal order blocking two passengers from leaving, and Nebraska officials said any new case or symptom worldwide could affect how long the Americans remain isolated.
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