Jake Rosmarin, a 30-year-old content creator and photographer from Boston, boarded the MV Hondius with excitement, sharing that the ship would be his home for 35 days while traveling across the South Atlantic. However, the journey took a dark turn when a hantavirus outbreak occurred on board, resulting in three deaths and several passengers falling ill. Rosmarin is now one of 18 Americans in specialized healthcare facilities under observation due to this outbreak.
Following the outbreak, Rosmarin anticipates spending 42 days at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Fourteen other American passengers are also quarantined alongside him, while an individual who tested positive for hantavirus is in the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. Additionally, two other passengers are being monitored in the serious communicable disease unit at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Public health officials have reassured the public that the risk of the virus spreading from passengers to the general populace is very low, emphasizing that the quarantine is a precautionary measure for healthy individuals.
Despite the situation, Rosmarin has chosen to remain positive, describing his quarantine room as akin to a small hotel suite, featuring a closet, smart TV, bathroom, small refrigerator, a bed, and even a stationary bike. While the windows are covered for privacy from the media, he sees the situation as an opportunity to take life one day at a time. He has even ordered a mattress pad and new pillows to enhance his comfort during this extended stay.
On a particularly cheerful note, Rosmarin shared on social media that a special treat—iced horchata with oat milk and vanilla cold foam—was delivered by the nurses at the facility, which he expressed gratitude for, emphasizing that it was just what he needed at that moment.
The hantavirus typically spreads through rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted from person to person. Nevertheless, the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius involved the Andes virus, which has the potential for rare human-to-human transmission. Symptoms can manifest between one and eight weeks following exposure. Rosmarin reported that he has not experienced any illness during this period of isolation.
As reported, eleven passengers who were aboard the MV Hondius experienced illness, with at least nine confirmed cases of the virus. The three fatalities included a Dutch couple believed to be the first infected while visiting South America. The last remaining passengers disembarked the ship on Monday and traveled to over 20 countries to enter quarantine.
The biocontainment unit in Omaha is a specialized facility designed to monitor individuals exposed to serious illnesses. Only healthcare professionals wearing full personal protective equipment come into contact with Rosmarin; most nurses do not enter his room during meal times. Rosmarin humorously described how he interacts with staff, saying he opens his door while wearing a mask and retrieves meals from trays placed at his door.
As the outbreak progressed on the ship, passengers received instructions to remain in their cabins as much as possible. Rosmarin mentioned he only ventured out for about 15 minutes daily to refill water, get fresh air, and grab food for meals, adhering to social distancing measures and wearing masks.
Since quitting his job as a media buyer in 2022, Rosmarin has traveled the world, securing an influencer partnership with the ship's operator, which covered the costs of his travels. His route included visits to remote South Atlantic islands, like South Georgia Island, where he witnessed large colonies of king penguins, as well as gentoo penguins, fur seals, elephant seals, and albatross.
Rosmarin made a distinction between the MV Hondius as an expedition vessel and traditional cruise ships, stating that it adhered to the strictest biosecurity measures to protect the fragile ecosystems of the islands visited. However, these precautions were focused primarily on environmental protection rather than safeguarding passengers from illness. The planned five-week expedition extended to six weeks due to the outbreak, which was only identified on the night when the passengers were supposed to disembark.
Back home in Boston, Rosmarin's fiancé awaits his return, with plans to marry next year. He remarked on his fiancé's calm demeanor during this stressful time, though he sensed underlying worry. As he navigates this unforeseen isolation, Rosmarin continues to stay optimistic and determined to make the most of his new normal.
