Australia Says Hantavirus Cruise Passengers Are in Good Health

(MENAFN) According to reports, Australia has confirmed that six passengers exposed to hantavirus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius are currently in “good health” and will undergo strict quarantine measures upon their return.

Health Minister Mark Butler told a media outlet that the group includes five Australians and one New Zealander who were on the affected vessel. He said they are expected to travel via the Netherlands before continuing their journey back to Australia.

“They were due to land at 8.10 am our time, and they’ll be transited to a hotel quarantine facility while the flight arrangements from the Netherlands to Australia are finalized,” he said.

He described the logistics of arranging transport as challenging, adding that the passengers are expected to return over the course of the week. The government is reportedly working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to coordinate flights, including securing crews willing to isolate after transporting the group.

Upon arrival in Western Australia, the passengers will be placed in a dedicated quarantine facility for approximately three weeks. Authorities will then determine whether additional monitoring is required during the virus’ 42-day incubation period.

The minister noted that the approach is stricter than that used by many other countries, where returning cruise passengers often undergo only short centralized quarantine followed by home isolation.

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