90-Second Read: U.S. Health Secretary Keeps American Hantavirus Cruise Passenger “Illegally” Caged As 42-Day Deadline Approaches

One MV Hondius passenger is calling the quarantine "dehumanizing" The quarantine period for travelers aboard the MV Hondius, where the recent Hantavirus outbreak first occurred in spring, is nearly up. Many of the passengers were evacuated to their home countries, including to the United States, where, shortly before arrival at a quarantine facility in Nebraska, at least one American tested positive for Hantavirus. However, despite the 42.day quarantine deadline almost up, one American cruise passenger from the MV Hondius has been denied permission to return home and, according to some experts, is being "illegally" detained against her will.

CDC Order of Operations For Cruise Quarantines CDC worked closely with other U.S. government agencies and international partners to bring Americans on the ship home as quickly and as safely as possible. CDC, in coordination with state and federal partners, repatriated 18 people who were potentially exposed to Hantavirus on the M/V Hondius cruise ship in May 2026. CDC is providing technical assistance and guidance to other public health authorities responding to this outbreak.

CDC has worked with health departments to confirm that all exposed passengers are being monitored by public health officials. Perryman herself has said she's shocked anyone would override a CDC, calling the Nebraska holding facility a "prison." As of June 18th, two more cruise passengers have been cleared to finish quarantining at home. The CDC warns that the Andes virus can cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which is potentially fatal.