Florida Health Officials Challenge CDC Quarantine Guidance for Cruise Ship Passengers

Florida health officials are contesting the quarantine guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was linked to an outbreak of the Andes hantavirus.

One American passenger, Angela Perryman, expressed her frustration, feeling trapped in a federal quarantine facility. “I’m being held hostage in this power struggle between a state and the federal government,” said Perryman, 47, who has been at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska since May 11. It’s been tough—“I don’t think there has been a day since I’ve been here that I didn’t cry,” she shared.

Initially, passengers were told they could leave the federal quarantine by the end of May and finish the rest of their 42-day isolation at home. The first five passengers left on June 1.

Interestingly, all Americans aboard the ship have tested negative for the hantavirus.

According to CDC regulations, states were asked to position law enforcement or health personnel outside the homes of quarantined passengers. But Florida’s approach seems to differ. “At this time, neither the state of Florida nor the Department is planning to implement round-the-clock surveillance measures,” stated Brian Wright, a spokesman for the Florida Health Department. He emphasized that the state doesn’t see the need for intrusive restrictions when established public health practices can safeguard both freedom and health.

The Florida health department has appointed Dr. David Fitter to lead the response, temporarily under Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s leadership, who has been critical of the CDC’s limitations during the pandemic.

Perryman, a Florida local, is among 18 Americans who were on the Hondius when the hantavirus outbreak occurred in May. They were taken to the Nebraska facility, known for previously treating Covid patients and Ebola cases.

As of Thursday, ten passengers from the Hondius have returned to their home states, where they will be monitored until the end of their quarantine period, which concludes on June 22.

Transportation for these passengers was coordinated by various health departments and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

Currently, eight passengers, including Perryman, remain in Nebraska. The only other passenger who has publicly discussed their experience is Jake Rosmarin, who has been sharing updates via Instagram.

Generally, hantavirus transfers from rodents to humans, but the Andes strain is unique in that it can also spread between people. The World Health Organization reported 13 cases linked to the cruise, resulting in three fatalities. Fortunately, the Americans on board have not shown symptoms.

This virus has a notably high fatality rate—23%—which is a major concern for health officials trying to minimize any risk of transmission. Also, the incubation period can last up to six weeks before symptoms emerge.

Perryman just wants to go home. “I want to go home,” she said wistfully, “and stay in my house and have no contact with anyone.”