'What's happening right now is very real.' New York man documents life aboard expedition ship tied to hantavirus outbreak
Monroe resident Jake Rosmarin says passengers aboard the M/V Hondius remain under precautions as the vessel heads toward the Canary Islands following medical evacuations linked to the outbreak.
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An Orange County, NY man stranded aboard an expedition cruise ship tied to a hantavirus outbreak is continuing to share updates from sea as the vessel makes its way toward Spain’s Canary Islands.
Jake Rosmarin, of Monroe, has been posting videos and photos from onboard the M/V Hondius, where passengers have remained under heightened precautions following reports of illness aboard the ship.
In a social media update Wednesday, Rosmarin said passengers needing medical care and screening had been evacuated from the vessel and transferred to medical facilities. He also said two infectious disease physicians are now onboard and that no additional passengers are currently showing symptoms.
“Passengers still have access to fresh air on the outer decks, meals can be delivered directly to cabins, and everyone onboard continues to be cared for and supported,” Rosmarin wrote. The ship had been delayed off Cape Verde after concerns surrounding the outbreak. Reuters reports the vessel departed Wednesday and is expected to arrive in Tenerife within days.
Rosmarin also thanked Oceanwide Expeditions and the ship’s crew, saying they have been “doing everything they can to keep everyone safe, informed, and comfortable.”
Monroe Town Supervisor Maureen Richardson said Rosmarin comes from what the town considers a “founding family” through the longtime local business Rosmarin’s Day Camp. “Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Richardson said. “Jake and I attended MW together and used to play cards every morning before middle school classes. He has always been bright, inquisitive, and good‑humored.”
Richardson also praised Rosmarin’s photography work, saying he has “made our community extremely proud through the way his photography captures the spirit of Monroe.” “That talent has taken him around the world,” she said. “We will continue to hope for answers, safety for everyone on board, and Jake’s safe passage home.”
In a statement Wednesday, the CDC said the federal government is “closely monitoring the situation” involving U.S. travelers onboard the vessel. “Our top priority remains the health and safety of all U.S. passengers,” the statement said. The agency said the Department of State is leading a coordinated response involving diplomatic coordination and international health authorities, while emphasizing that “the risk to the American public is extremely low.”
Hantavirus is a rare disease primarily spread through exposure to infected rodents, though some strains can spread person‑to‑person.
