When Jake Rosmarin stepped onto the MV Hondius, he was excitedly sharing on social media about his upcoming 35-day journey across the South Atlantic. However, things took a turn when he became one of 18 Americans under medical observation due to a hantavirus outbreak on the ship, leading to three deaths and several others becoming ill.
The 30-year-old now plans to spend 42 days in the national quarantine unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Fourteen other passengers are also there with him, while another person who tested positive is in the Nebraska biocontainment unit. Two others are monitored in the serious communicable disease unit at Emory University in Atlanta.
Public health officials have indicated that the risk of the virus spreading to the general public is low, emphasizing that those in quarantine are healthy individuals taking precautions.
Rosmarin, a photographer and content creator from Boston, is trying to make the best out of an unexpected situation. His living quarters resemble a cozy hotel suite, complete with a closet, a smart TV, a bathroom, a small fridge, a bed, a chair, and even a stationary bike. He does have windows but has opted to keep the blinds closed to avoid media scrutiny.
“It’s a very nice room,” he mentioned. “I already ordered a mattress pad and new pillows. For now, my plan is just to take it one day at a time.” Recently, he shared excitement on social media about a special treat brought to him by nurses: an iced horchata with oat milk and vanilla cold foam. “This is everything I needed, right now. Wow!” he exclaimed.
Life in Quarantine
Hantavirus generally spreads through rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between humans. Nonetheless, the Andes virus identified in the cruise ship situation could, in rare instances, be spread between people. Symptoms might appear anywhere from one to eight weeks after exposure.
“I never got sick,” Rosmarin stated on Tuesday, despite reports of illness among the other passengers. A total of eleven individuals on the MV Hondius fell ill, with at least nine confirmed cases. Tragically, three passengers died, including a Dutch couple believed to be the first exposed to the virus during their visit to South America.
The last passengers on the ship disembarked on Monday, heading to over 20 countries to begin their own quarantines. The facilities in Omaha, including a biocontainment unit, are specially equipped to manage serious illnesses. Health professionals don full personal protective gear when entering Rosmarin’s room, and typically he cannot have visitors; meals are provided in a manner that minimizes interactions.
After passengers began experiencing health issues, staying in their cabins became strongly encouraged. “I’d step out for about 15 minutes each day to refill my water and get some fresh air,” he shared, noting that measures like social distancing and masks were in place.
Penguins, Seals, and Albatross
Jake’s globe-trotting adventure began in 2022 when he left his job as a media buyer. He partnered with the ship’s operator, which covered the trip costs. The itinerary included stops at some remote South Atlantic islands, including South Georgia Island.
“We saw a king penguin colony—the largest in the world, around 300,000 to 500,000,” he recounted, also mentioning sightings of gentoo penguins, seals, and albatrosses. He described the MV Hondius more as an expedition vessel than a typical cruise ship, emphasizing strict biosecurity measures for the fragile ecosystems visited.
“An expedition vessel is much cleaner than a cruise ship you might be on,” Rosmarin stated. “For South Georgia, we had the strictest biosecurity measures.” Passengers had to ensure no foreign materials, like pebbles, were brought on board or off the islands.
Despite the meticulous precautions aimed at protecting the environment, those measures weren’t directed at passengers’ safety.
His intended five-week trip turned into six weeks due to the outbreak. “We didn’t really realize it was hantavirus until the night we were supposed to leave the ship,” he explained.
Back in Boston, Rosmarin’s fiancée awaits his return, with plans for their wedding next year. “I think he tried to stay calm for me, but I could tell he was also pretty scared,” he said on Tuesday.
