Six Hantavirus Cruise Passengers Travel to Australia Under Strict Health Measures

Six passengers who are linked to the hantavirus hit cruise ship MV Hondius are expected to travel from the Netherlands to Australia under strict health measures, as authorities continue efforts to prevent any possible spread of the virus.

According to Australian authorities, the group includes four Australians, one British national living in Australia, and one New Zealander.

Officials said all six individuals are currently in good health, and have shown no symptoms of the virus, and they also recently tested negative for hantavirus.

Australia’s Health Minister Mark Butler announced that the government had arranged a special flight and crew to transport the passengers from the Netherlands to Western Australia.

Passengers To Wear Protective Equipment

During the journey, all passengers will be required to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) as an added safety measure.

The flight is scheduled to depart on Thursday and is expected to land on Friday at an air force base in Perth, Western Australia.

Upon arrival, the passengers will be transferred into a quarantine facility, located near the base, where they will remain under observation for at least three weeks.

Authorities say the quarantine measures are among the strictest responses to be implemented after the outbreak linked to the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius.

Also Read: Hantavirus Outbreak: Symptoms, Clinical Concerns and Prevention Measures

Australia Govt Say There Is No Risk To Public

The ship recently attracted international attention after reports of hantavirus infections among some of its passengers.

Health officials in Australia have maintained that there is currently no risk to the public, stressing that the passengers tested negative before departure and will undergo additional testing upon arrival in Australia.

Officials are also considering what steps may be needed after the initial quarantine period because hantavirus can reportedly have an incubation period of up to 42 days.

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Isolation

The government has not yet confirmed whether the six travellers will face extended isolation after the first three weeks.

The Australian government did not disclose any additional personal details about the passengers or provide information on where the aircraft would stop for refuelling during the long journey from Europe to Australia.

Hantavirus is a rare but can be a serious disease that is mainly spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.

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An infographic showing what you need to know about Hantavirus by Hivileo. PHOTO/Hivileo.