90-Second Read: The US Hantavirus cruise passengers may soon go home ahead of the 42-day symptom period. Here’s why

American passengers quarantining after exposure to a deadly outbreak of Hantavirus on a Dutch cruise ship could soon be able to go home. It may take as long as 42 days for symptoms of Hantavirus to show following exposure and the passengers only arrived at facilities in Nebraska and Georgia a little over two weeks ago. So, why have American health officials aid they may only hold passengers through the end of the month? There have been 13 cases linked to the rare rodent-borne illness since the outbreak was first reported, including three deaths.

Still, quarantine time also depends on a person's individual case and officials could decide to keep passengers in place for the full 42 days. The strain of virus that spread on the ship is the Andes virus, the only known Hantavirus strain to pass between humans. Hantavirus is typically detected through direct exposure to infected rodents in the Southwest, but new research from Washington State University shows a "high prevalence" in the Pacific Northwest, as well. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground.

21 days is the highest risk period for the rodent-borne illness 21 days is the highest risk period for the rodent-borne illness From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Most people who do fall ill do so within a critical period of 21 days, the Southern Nevada Health District says. Several passengers say they have been displeased with health officials' response and want to be allowed to quarantine from home. Early symptoms are flu-like, but can lead to trouble breathing and fluid in the lungs.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. New York has allegedly declined to allow passengers back under those conditions, although discussions are ongoing. The Independent's requests for comment from the state's health department and the office of Governor Kathy Hochul were not immediately returned.