90-Second Read: Hantavirus update: 2 more leave National Quarantine Unit in Omaha

Another two passengers of the M/V Hondius cruise ship have left the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha. A total of 18 passengers possibly exposed to the Hantavirus arrived at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha more than five weeks ago, on May 11. UNMC-Nebraska Medicine reported on June 2, five passengers left the NQU in Omaha under established protocols.

UNMC-Nebraska Medicine issued a news release Thursday with the update on the passengers, noting that 12 have now left and six still remain at the unit. Additionally, the CDC has been coordinating with state and local health departments about requirements for continued self-monitoring once the passengers arrive home. As it can take up to 42 days for Hantavirus symptoms to appear, the CDC requested they remain there until May 31.

Two were people on under official quarantine orders on May 19 to prevent them from leaving ahead of that date. UNMC/Nebraska Medicine is one of 13 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers in the federal National Special Pathogen System, according to the release. Those leaving quarantine have not traveled commercially, and there were appropriate biocontainment measures in place during their transport.