Full Breakdown
U.S. Passengers from MV Hondius Quarantined in Nebraska
5/22/2026, 4:45:44 AM
Quarantine Orders for American Passengers
Eighteen U.S. citizens from the MV Hondius were moved to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Davis Global Center in Omaha after the cruise, which visited remote sites in southern Argentina and returned to the Netherlands, producing up to 11 hantavirus infections and three deaths, including a Dutch passenger on 11 April, his wife who died en route, and a German passenger on 2 May. Federal orders require a 42-day stay, note highest risk during the first 21 days, and warn that early departure could endanger public health and may incur a fine or up to one year in jail. CDC confirmed orders.
Timeline
Key Data
- 18 American passengers under a 42-day quarantine; up to 11 hantavirus infections, three deaths, incubation up to 42 days, and violations may incur a fine or up to one year in jail.
Official Statements & Responses
The CDC said the orders are legally binding and necessary for public health. Dr. David Fitter, CDC’s hantavirus incident manager, called the Omaha facility “fantastic” and praised Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A New York Health Department official had initially discussed home isolation, but CDC staff later required all passengers to stay at federal facility.
Passenger Criticism & Opposition
The unnamed 30-year-old passenger called the quarantine center a “prison,” saying he is held “involuntarily” and that the policy change left passengers “very angry” and felt they were “lied to.” He said all 18 Americans will complete the 42-day isolation, with some preferring to stay at the Omaha facility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m held here involuntarily, so in that sense it’s a prison term, I mean, it’s a perfectly nice prison, but I’m still here involuntarily,” — Unnamed 30-year-old passenger
- “What we don’t understand is why they suddenly changed their minds and told us that we can’t follow the CDC guidelines and complete the quarantines at home,” — Unnamed passenger
- “I’m very angry about it. I don’t like being lied to.” — Unnamed passenger
- “It is a fantastic facility. We really appreciate the state of Nebraska, as well as the University of Nebraska, Medical Center for everything they have done,” — Dr. David Fitter, CDC incident manager
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The orders do not specify whether passengers may be released after 31 May, leaving release criteria unclear. No details describe a process for moving to home isolation after the high-risk period.
What’s Next
Passengers will stay under medical monitoring at Omaha facility until the 42-day incubation period ends. Officials will announce change to isolation requirements after the high-risk window closes, and coordination with state and federal agencies will continue.
