Several Americans exposed to hantavirus on cruise ship allowed to complete quarantine at home
Several Americans who were exposed to a rare strain of hantavirus on board a cruise ship this spring have returned home to finish the second half of their mandatory six-week quarantine, reports BritPanorama.
Five passengers have been released from the National Quarantine Unit, which is overseen by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Thirteen others remain in the unit, although some will leave in the coming weeks to complete their monitoring at home, according to a statement from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“These people remain symptom-free and have met the criteria established by public health officials to safely continue monitoring at home,” the CDC said Monday.
State health departments will continue to conduct daily symptom monitoring, as well as 24/7 continuous oversight of each person, and provide guidance through the remainder of the 42-day monitoring period, which is set to conclude on June 21.
A sixth passenger was supposed to leave the Quarantine Unit on Monday, but their state has not agreed to the federal government’s monitoring requirements, necessitating their continued stay at the facility.
The CDC urged the public to avoid stigma directed at the people under monitoring. “Public health monitoring is a precautionary measure designed to support the health of those potentially exposed and protect communities. CDC is grateful to the people who were affected and who recognized the importance of this public safety measure during this challenging time,” the statement emphasized.
Two passengers have returned to New York after the state agreed to provide full-time monitoring, according to the State Department of Health. One of the individuals, who requested anonymity for privacy, reported being transported home in a chartered plane with two pilots and three medical staff.
He mentioned that a state trooper was posted outside his residence in an unmarked vehicle. “It is important to emphasize that there is no immediate risk to the public,” Dr. James McDonald, New York’s health commissioner, stated. He assured that monitoring would continue and updates will be provided as necessary.
“Under protocols established to monitor their health and protect the community, a quarantine order is in place. Both passengers have agreed and are required to remain at their residences, have no contact with other people, and participate in daily monitoring activities conducted by local health officials,” McDonald explained. He added that there are plans to transport them to appropriate medical facilities should they develop symptoms.
Two more passengers are headed to California. One returned Monday, and another is scheduled for later. The state’s Department of Health announced it is “fully prepared to receive two California residents who were passengers aboard the MV Hondius and have completed quarantine in Nebraska, and to monitor them for illness for the remainder of their monitoring period.” The department is also monitoring seven other individuals who were exposed to the Andes strain of the hantavirus, including another cruise passenger, for several weeks.
California’s approach to monitoring is characterized as “tailored” to reflect the circumstances of each exposed person while adhering to relevant public health guidance.
With ongoing vigilance, public health officials are emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring amidst the situation.
