The 17 U.S. passengers evacuated from the MV Hondius would first be taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has a federally funded quarantine facility.

About 12 countries have so far been linked to the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, as the UN health agency confirms at least five cases.

Officials say at least six US states are monitoring for possible cases after several passengers from the Dutch vessel MV Hondius returned home.