The last group of American passengers exposed to a hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius have completed their quarantine period in Omaha, Nebraska, concluding a 42-day observation ordered by health authorities. The MV Hondius outbreak, which resulted in 13 confirmed cases and three deaths, was linked to the Andes virus, a strain capable of human-to-human transmission. The virus was contracted during the cruise’s passage through the South Atlantic.

A total of 18 U.S. passengers were placed under monitoring at the National Quarantine Unit of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Sixteen passengers arrived on May 11, with an additional two joining on May 15. During this time, none of the monitored individuals developed symptoms, and no cases of hantavirus disease have been reported in the United States related to this incident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The quarantines were part of a precautionary response given the virus’s extended incubation period and potential for transmission. Most Americans were released earlier in the process, while one passenger, Angela Perryman, experienced a longer and contentious quarantine. Disputes arose over state-level surveillance measures during her isolation period, which drew some controversy. Throughout the quarantine, the passengers received support from the Omaha community as they remained under medical observation.

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services praised the coordinated efforts involved in managing the outbreak's risk among U.S. travelers. While the focus has been on the American passengers, the status of other quarantined international passengers linked to the MV Hondius has not been fully detailed.

In summary, U.S. health authorities have confirmed that no secondary hantavirus cases occurred domestically following the MV Hondius outbreak, and all American passengers have completed their monitoring and returned to their home states.