US passengers quarantining in Nebraska as officials say public hantavirus risk ‘very low’

Eighteen Americans have been quarantined after potential exposure to the hantavirus on a cruise ship, with health officials emphasizing that the public risk is “very, very low.” The Dutch vessel MV Hondius, docked in Spain’s Canary Islands, had one passenger test positive for the Andes virus, a rare hantavirus strain, and another showing mild symptoms. Ninety passengers are being repatriated, with two monitored in Atlanta and 16 in Nebraska’s national quarantine unit. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen assured that no one posing a public health risk is leaving the facility. The Andes virus requires prolonged close contact to spread, and most hantavirus strains do not transmit between people. The CDC is cautious, noting that mild cold symptoms do not necessarily indicate hantavirus. Health officials are focused on monitoring symptoms, with further testing planned for a passenger who tested “mildly positive” on a PCR test. QUESTION: How might the experience of being quarantined impact the mental health and well-being of the passengers involved?