Full Breakdown
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Extends Quarantine of Hantavirus-Exposed Cruise Passenger
6/16/2026, 8:16:03 AM
Continued Detention of Angela Perryman
On June 15, 2026, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed an order keeping 47-year-old passenger Angela Perryman in the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska, despite a CDC reviewer’s recommendation that she complete the remainder of her 42-day quarantine at home with daily remote symptom monitoring.
Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship
In early May, the cruise ship MV Hondius returned to the United States after a hantavirus outbreak that killed three passengers and sickened several of the 18 aboard. All were flown back on May 11 and placed in federal quarantine in Omaha, with an initial plan to release them to their home states after May 31.
Key Figures & Groups
- Angela Perryman – 47-year-old passenger, tested negative, no symptoms.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – U.S. Health Secretary, medical-freedom advocate.
- Dr. Michael Bell – CDC quarantine medical reviewer who recommended home release.
- Steven Hyman – Attorney for Perryman.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Declined comment.
Data & Statistics
18 passengers were exposed; three died. Quarantine was set for 42 days. By mid-June, ten passengers remained in Omaha, with Perryman the only one still detained. Temperature is taken twice daily; she may access a rooftop for one hour under armed-guard supervision.
Official Statements & Responses
CDC reviewer Dr. Bell stated that remote daily symptom monitoring and 24-hour help were sufficient to protect public health and recommended Perryman’s release. HHS declined comment. Kennedy’s order mandated continued confinement at Omaha, overriding the CDC recommendation.
Criticism & Opposition
Perryman called the order “obvious malice and retaliation” and said it showed “no check and balance on a basically indefinite detention under the public health law.” Attorney Steven Hyman added the order “flies in the face of the findings of the medical reviewer.” Critics frame the case as a clash between individual liberty and public-health authority.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The main discrepancy is between the CDC’s recommendation for a less restrictive home quarantine and Kennedy’s decision to keep Perryman detained. Florida’s refusal to accept her home-quarantine request is noted without explanation. HHS’s silence leaves the federal rationale undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In my professional judgment, this less restrictive alternative is adequate to protect public health,” — Dr. Michael Bell, CDC quarantine medical reviewer
- “This is the final proof that there is no check and balance on a basically indefinite detention under the public health law,” — Angela Perryman, passenger
- “I think this is obvious malice and retaliation,” — Angela Perryman
- “They’re polite and they’re not using physical violence against me, but otherwise it’s a prison,” — Angela Perryman
- “flies in the face of the findings of the medical reviewer,” — Steven Hyman, attorney
What’s Next
The quarantine order remains in effect; Perryman stays at the Omaha facility. HHS has issued no further comment, and no legal challenge details have been provided.
