90-Second Read: “I could be in this room for 42 days and literally not get to breathe fresh air.” What it’s like quarantining for Hantavirus

But that's nothing compared with the quarantine protocols that the 18 Americans who were exposed to Hantavirus on a cruise ship are currently experiencing. That's what Jake Rosmarin, one of the passengers who was onboard the MV Hondius, the cruise ship on which several passengers became infected with or killed by a deadly Hantavirus called the Andes virus, is currently doing. So the ship's crew didn't immediately tell you it was Hantavirus? From his quarantine room, he talked about what the facility has been like, what the health and safety procedures have been and how he's been making the best of his situation.

Things started to get a little weird when we found out that there were three ill people on the ship and then definitely a little more weird when that third person passed away. We didn't find out until that first test result came back from Johannesburg, which was 24 to 48 hours before we were supposed to get off that ship. And is it correct that the local authorities didn't want to allow the ship to dock? We were informed pretty quickly when each issue occurred.

Rosmarin, a Boston-based travel content creator, has traveled the world and visited all seven continents. It's such a rare disease that it was not in anyone's thoughts. However, you may know that the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and the WHO both recommend that you don't get PCR tested unless you have symptoms, but what's nice about being here is that we do have access to it. Besides fresh air, what do you miss the most from the outside world, and what are you looking forward to doing when you get out?

And we all know that when you find out something medically, you should never look it up because you're always going to see the worst thing possible. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history. There were just recommendations on staying in your cabin more and, when you're out, wearing a mask and social distancing.