The 18 American passengers exposed to hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are under quarantine at a hospital in Omaha, receiving care as they await a decision on how long they will need to remain there.
Elsewhere, a 12th illness linked to the vessel was confirmed Friday in the Netherlands as health officials continue tracking hundreds of people who may have been exposed.
The physician overseeing the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center said Friday that none of the American patients are showing symptoms. Dr. Michael Wadman referred questions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on whether the group will need to complete the full 42-day quarantine period.
The CDC did not respond Friday to inquiries about the plan for the passengers, who are being housed in specialized rooms designed to resemble hotel accommodations, complete with exercise equipment and small refrigerators. The units use negative-pressure ventilation and waste sterilization systems to prevent any potential spread of infection.
Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people. However, the Andes virus identified in the cruise ship outbreak may spread between humans in rare cases. Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure. Health officials recommended the extended quarantine due to the virus’ incubation period.
