OMAHA, Neb. (AP) β The 18 American passengers who were exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship are getting a taste of Nebraska hospitality as they wait to find out how much longer they will have to remain in quarantine at the hospital in Omaha.
The passengers, who were aboard the ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, were exposed to the virus during a voyage that included stops in Antarctica. Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.
Health officials have confirmed that the passengers are being monitored at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The hospital has experience handling infectious disease cases, including during the Ebola outbreak.
Local residents have shown support by providing meals and other comforts to the quarantined individuals. The duration of the quarantine depends on the incubation period of the virus, which can range from one to eight weeks.
Authorities have not reported any cases of illness among the group so far. The ship has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected before being allowed to resume operations.
