Several passengers who were on the cruise ship that had an outbreak of of deadly Hantavirus are back in Nebraska for monitoring. Those passengers landed in Omaha early Monday morning .
University of Nebraska Medical center officials says one passenger was transported to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, while others went to the National Quarantine Unit for assessment and monitoring. Doctor Angela Hewlett is the Medical Director of the National Biocontainment Unit and gave an update on their condition at a morning news conference.
“They are doing well, actually they currently don’t have any symptoms and have a good appetite, although they’re very tired understandably, but it’s been a really long journey for these folks.” Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen spoke at the news conference and reassured the passengers that that they will be taken care of.
“We know it’s been very difficult for you and an arduous journey, one that will keep you away from your friends and your loved ones a little while longer,” Pillen said. “But you can be assured the medial staff and UNMC are highly trained and compassionate.”
At least three passengers have died in the overall outbreak and a French woman who was on board the ship also tested positive for Hantavirus. Health officials have repeatedly stressed the risk to the public is low and that the outbreak will not spiral into another pandemic like the Novel Coronavirus in 2020.