Quarantined Cruise Ship Passengers Remain Symptom-Free in Omaha
Passengers from the MV Hondus cruise ship, currently under quarantine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha due to a hantavirus outbreak, have yet to show symptoms. However, their release timeline remains uncertain as officials navigate the situation.
At a recent news conference, officials provided updates following a report from NPR about a passenger’s frustration over the imposed quarantine. The passenger, Angela Perryman, described her experience, stating, “I am angry. I feel betrayed. I’m being imprisoned. It’s a nice prison. But this is a prison. Let’s be clear: I am being detained against my will.”
The quarantine at the National Quarantine Unit includes 18 passengers, with 16 arriving 12 days ago and two more joining after initially staying in Atlanta. Initially, federal officials suggested that passengers could quarantine at home, but this plan has since changed, requiring them to stay at the facility.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued quarantine orders to two specific passengers, though the identities have not been disclosed. Most other passengers have opted to remain at UNMC voluntarily as they undergo the necessary quarantine period.
“Everyone’s been very cooperative with the process, and we really appreciate that very much,” commented Dr. Michael Wadman, director of the National Quarantine Unit.
Hantavirus has an incubation period that can extend up to 42 days, though symptoms typically appear within three weeks. The outbreak was first reported by the ship’s crew on May 2. Recent confirmations include two new cases: a Canadian evacuee and a crew member in the Netherlands, increasing the total to 12 confirmed cases, with three resulting in fatalities.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska and former chancellor of UNMC, emphasized that the emergence of new cases informs ongoing patient management. “You know, any case, any symptoms, any positive test anywhere gives us more information about the biology of this viral illness,” Gold explained, noting its impact on decision-making.
Decisions regarding the duration of quarantine in Omaha will depend on individual assessments by the CDC. Dr. Wadman mentioned, “There’s potential that some may leave before the 42 days,” if circumstances permit.
Regarding the UNMC’s capacity to handle other outbreaks, such as Ebola, Gov. Jim Pillen indicated that while the facility is at capacity, it will be ready for eventual needs after current patients are discharged. “Whenever the day comes that the guests go home, this facility be wide open for Ebola,” Pillen stated.
