Angela Perryman, a 47-year-old American passenger, was placed under federal quarantine at a Nebraska facility until May 31 after being exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship in May [1, 2]. The 21-day quarantine was ordered under federal public health law and authorized by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the CDC [1, 2].

Perryman tested negative for hantavirus and shows no symptoms, but she had brief contact with another passenger who later died from the infection [1, 2]. Federal officials noted the risk that she could become a source of infection if allowed to leave the quarantine facility and travel freely [1, 2].

Perryman described the quarantine conditions as locked and secure, saying: "They won’t let us isolate at home. We’re being kept in a secured facility and threatened if we try to leave" [2]. She also stated, "They are requiring us to remain in a locked facility and threatening us, and denying us the right to home quarantine" [1]. She plans to pursue legal action to appeal the quarantine order [1, 2].

At least three people have died from the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius, and additional passengers have fallen ill [1]. Eighteen American passengers affected by the outbreak have been monitored at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska, since last week [1, 2]. Seven other passengers who left the ship earlier are being monitored by local and state health departments [2].

The incubation period for the hantavirus can be up to six weeks, with rapid health deterioration once symptoms appear, Dr. Marc Siegel said: "The reason they’re watching these passengers so carefully is that the incubation period can be very long — up to six weeks — and when symptoms hit, patients can deteriorate very rapidly" [2].

The Nebraska quarantine facility has 20 single rooms equipped with negative air pressure, private bathrooms, exercise equipment, and Wi-Fi, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center [2].

Angela Perryman received a federal order on May 18 to remain quarantined for at least two more weeks after initially planning to leave [1]. Her 21-day quarantine is scheduled to expire on May 31 at the Nebraska facility [1, 2].