An Oregon resident has returned home after spending more than 20 days in quarantine following exposure to the Andes strain of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) confirmed that the resident will remain under quarantine until June 21, marking a total of 42 days since their return to the United States on May 10.

Quarantine Details

After disembarking from the cruise ship in Spain, the resident, along with other U.S. passengers, was transported to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This measure was taken after an outbreak of the Andes hantavirus was detected on the ship, which had initially departed from Argentina on April 1.

Five U.S. residents who were aboard the cruise ship have returned home, while 13 passengers remain under observation. Health officials have confirmed that the returning passengers are symptom-free and have met the public health criteria to safely continue monitoring outside the quarantine facility.

Health Authority’s Assurance

The OHA has worked closely with federal and local partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to ensure the safe return of Oregon passengers. They have reassured the public that the risk of infection with the Andes virus in Oregon remains extremely low, with no concerns of transmission to the general public.

Additionally, a Bend doctor was quarantined at the Nebraska medical facility after potentially testing positive for hantavirus following the treatment of ill passengers during the cruise. The identity of the returning Oregon resident has not been disclosed, respecting their request for privacy.

Original reporting: KGW Portland — read the source article.