Passenger Shares Quarantine Experience
An American passenger from a hantavirus-hit cruise ship has spoken about life in quarantine. Jake Rosmarin, a New York native and travel influencer, is among those being monitored. He spoke with CBS News about what was supposed to be a five-week trip that is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
Those in quarantine face a 42-day isolation period. Rosmarin said he was supposed to go to his cousin’s wedding in Italy and unfortunately he won’t be making that. He described the darkest stretch aboard the ship and that looking forward to his own wedding helped him hold on.
CDC Monitoring 41 Individuals
The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the United States has grown to 41, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. The CDC also said Thursday that additional people who were ‘flight contacts’ were being monitored, but didn’t give an exact number. The travel routes and current locations of the individuals have not been released by the CDC.
Officials say the risk to the general public remains low. The CDC said Thursday there are no confirmed U.S. cases at this time. None of the passengers currently in quarantine are symptomatic, the CDC said.
Moments of Normalcy Amid Uncertainty
Rosmarin said when he was in his darkest place on that ship, they had a wedding planning call. He said it was so nice to have a moment of normalcy and to not feel like he was stuck in that little box on a ship with so much unknown. Rosmarin said he is trying to stay focused on what lies ahead.
Doctor Tested Negative, Praised as Hero
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, an Oregon oncologist who was aboard the cruise ship on vacation when the outbreak began, told CBS News on Wednesday that he tested negative and was moved from the biocontainment unit to the quarantine unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Angela Hewlett, who has overseen his care, told CBS News that Kornfeld tested negative by PCR on two separate occasions and also tested negative for antibodies. Hewlett said it is unlikely his earlier flu-like symptoms were hantavirus-related.
Hewlett called the vacationing doctor who chose to act ‘a hero.’ She said he is a physician who stepped up when people needed him and he did help provide care and assessment for individuals who were ill on the cruise ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are being monitored for hantavirus in the US?
The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the United States has grown to 41, according to the CDC.
What is the quarantine period for passengers from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship?
Those in quarantine face a 42-day isolation period.
Did any passengers from the cruise ship test positive for hantavirus?
No, the CDC said there are no confirmed U.S. cases at this time, and none of the passengers currently in quarantine are symptomatic.
