90-Second Read: Some Hantavirus-exposed cruise ship passengers return home to finish quarantine

Several Americans who were exposed to a rare strain of Hantavirus on board a cruise ship this spring have returned home to finish the second half of their mandatory six-week quarantine. Hantavirus-exposed cruise passengers may soon be allowed to return home but must remain under 24/7 watch The CDC urged the public to avoid stigma directed at the people being monitored. Both passengers have agreed and are required to remain at their residences, have no contact with other people, and participate in daily monitoring activities conducted by local health officials. Five passengers have been released from the National Quarantine Unit, which is overseen by the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

A sixth passenger was supposed to leave the Quarantine Unit on Monday, but their state has not agreed to the federal government's monitoring requirements, so they were required to remain at the facility. Public health monitoring is a precautionary measure designed to support the health of those potentially exposed and protect communities. Under protocols established to monitor their health and protect the community, a quarantine order is in place.

Thirteen others remain in the unit, although some will leave in the coming weeks to complete their monitoring at home, according to a statement from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC is grateful to the people who were affected and who recognized the importance of this public safety measure during this challenging time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Plans are in place to transport them to appropriate medical facilities in the unlikely event they develop symptoms or need any other medical care.