In early May, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) epidemiologists learned that an Oregon resident had been aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, where health officials were investigating an outbreak of a rare virus called Andes hantavirus. Since then, OHA has worked closely with local, federal, and international partners to monitor the Oregon resident and plan for their safe return.
Return from quarantine
The Oregon resident returned home on June 1 after staying 21 days at the National Quarantine Unit (NQU) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They will remain in home quarantine through June 21. This 42-day period follows their return to the United States on May 10, which is the incubation period for Andes hantavirus.
About the quarantine stay
Since May 10, the resident stayed at the National Quarantine Unit (NQU) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They were taken there after leaving the MV Hondius in Spain with other U.S. passengers. The cruise, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, experienced an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared interim guidance to help public health officials across the country monitor people who may have been exposed.
Since May 10, the resident stayed at the National Quarantine Unit (NQU) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They were taken there after leaving the MV Hondius in Spain with other U.S. passengers. The cruise, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, experienced an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared interim guidance to help public health officials across the country monitor people who may have been exposed.
Health monitoring at home
Now that the resident is back in Oregon, OHA and the public health authority in their home county are checking in regularly to make sure the person stays healthy and gets the care they need. OHA is not naming the resident to protect their privacy as they rest and reconnect with family.
Understanding Andes hantavirus
Andes hantavirus is extremely rare and is not found in the United States. It can cause a serious illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Symptoms can appear anytime between 4 and 42 days after exposure, and may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Abdominal problems
- Cough or shortness of breath
Risk to the public
The risk to the public remains extremely low. At this time, public health officials have no concerns about community spread.
This has been a very challenging and emotional situation for the passengers and crew of the MV Hondius, as well as their loved ones. We share in the grief over the illnesses and lives lost related to this outbreak.
OHA thanks its partners including county health officials, federal agencies and international public health colleagues for their support during this response. Their teamwork has been essential in caring for those affected and helping prevent further spread of the virus.