Cruise Passenger Quarantined for Six Weeks After Outbreak

Jake Rosmarin, a travel content creator, described his five-week transatlantic cruise as one of the most amazing trips of his life, which concluded with him quarantined for six weeks in Nebraska. He is currently housed in the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a facility that has previously housed Ebola patients and early COVID-19 cases. Rosmarin is one of 15 former passengers of a ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three fatalities.

Despite the circumstances, Rosmarin reports being in good spirits and feeling well, with no symptoms. His daily temperature is checked, and his morale has improved since disembarking. He described a difficult seven-day period at sea where he felt he was in a dark place, even posting an emotional video to Instagram. The extended quarantine, which can last up to six weeks as it takes time for hantavirus symptoms to appear, is voluntary, and passengers can opt to self-monitor at home.

Rosmarin chose to complete the full quarantine, prioritizing the safety of his friends and family, and knowing he would receive top-tier medical care if needed. He is focusing on staying positive, utilizing amenities like an exercise bike and enjoying deliveries of meals and packages. He expressed his eagerness to hug his loved ones in Boston and New York upon his release and plans to resume traveling, though he admits the experience has been traumatizing and he will need to push himself to travel again soon.