The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which faced a severe hantavirus outbreak, has reached its final destination in Rotterdam for sanitization after only the crew remained on board for the last part of the journey. Passengers disembarked in the Canary Islands between May 10 and 11, including Jake Rosmarin, an avid traveler who was en route from South America to the Netherlands via Ushuaia, Argentina. However, all remaining passengers were asked to leave the ship in Tenerife, where they were sent to their respective countries for quarantine, leading Jake back to the United States.
Jake is among eighteen Americans currently monitored in specialized healthcare facilities in the U.S. dedicated to treating infectious diseases. Documenting his experience, Jake has been active on TikTok, sharing insights from his time onboard the ship and during quarantine in Omaha, Nebraska.
Reflecting on his first week in quarantine, Jake expressed contentment with his situation, showcasing his room’s amenities including a bathroom, bed, coffee maker, and exercise bike. He noted personal growth and gratitude for small pleasures such as receiving care packages and ordering meals from a selection of options for each day.
Jake’s journey back to the U.S. included a flight from the Canary Islands, which he described as a surreal experience akin to a movie scene. Grateful for the support from friends, family, healthcare workers, and online communities, Jake acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster he has been through, despite not displaying any Hantavirus symptoms. His quarantine period is set for a total of 42 days.