State trooper guards and daily fever checks: Some hantavirus cruise ship passengers go home

Five of the 18 U.S. cruise ship passengers quarantined in Nebraska went home Monday, halfway through their quarantine after being exposed to hantavirus, the CDC said.

Five of the 18 U.S. cruise ship passengers quarantined in Nebraska went home Monday, halfway through their quarantine after being exposed to hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokesperson said.

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The five passengers were permitted to leave under the condition that they stay home — no quick runs for takeout or trips to the grocery store — for the second half of the virus’ full 42-day quarantine period, set to end June 22.

The CDC said all of the passengers who are asymptomatic and haven’t tested positive for the Andes hantavirus were given the option to leave Monday. Those who chose to stay can finish their 42-day quarantine at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska.