Omaha quarantine unit prepares for 17 M/V Hondius passengers
No confirmed hantavirus cases had been reported among the American passengers as of Friday.
The National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska, is preparing to receive 17 U.S. passengers from the M/V Hondius following a reported hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship. The ship’s operator confirmed that 17 Americans were aboard.
As of Friday, none of the U.S. passengers had a confirmed hantavirus infection. Several state health authorities were monitoring residents who had contact with people who became infected, according to the report.
Facility administrators said the length of the passengers’ quarantine would be decided after they arrive and an epidemiological investigation is conducted. Dr. John Lowe said emergency medical transportation would not be needed if the passengers remained free of symptoms before arrival.
Dr. Angela Hewlett, director of the biocontainment unit, said any passengers who develop symptoms considered concerning for hantavirus would be evaluated and treated in that unit. Hewlett also said significant uncertainties remain about the outbreak, while noting that the Andes strain of hantavirus is generally believed to spread only through very close contact.