Passengers evacuated from a hantavirus-affected cruise ship are now required to undergo an extended quarantine period of 42 days, following a decision by Australian health authorities. The move comes after an outbreak of the potentially fatal virus on the Dutch-flagged luxury vessel MV Hondius.
Extended Isolation in Australia
Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Thursday that the isolation period for six repatriated individuals will last until 23 June, instead of the initially planned release date of 5 June. The group includes four Australian citizens, a permanent resident, and one New Zealand resident, who have been held at a facility near Perth, Western Australia, since their return on 15 May.
The decision to extend the quarantine was based on advice from health authorities. 'The passengers have been informed about the advice and the decision of government,' Mr Butler said. 'I'm happy to say they remain well.'
The Hantavirus Outbreak
The passengers were taken to the Perth facility after an outbreak on board the MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde. Hantavirus was reported in at least 11 passengers, and three people died from the disease. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent urine, droppings, and saliva, and can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially fatal condition where the lungs fill with fluid.
Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the MV Hondius, stated on Tuesday that the ship is undergoing further cleaning in Rotterdam, following advice from the GGD local health authority. It will then return to its home port in Vlissingen in the southern Netherlands.
British Patients Return Home
A British national who was treated for the virus in the Netherlands was medically evacuated back to the UK earlier this week. The individual is now adhering to stringent infection prevention and control measures, according to the Health Security Agency (HSA). Meanwhile, six other people linked to the outbreak have left hospital to continue their isolation at home, health officials have said.
Passengers from the cruise ship were taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral for checks and an initial isolation period earlier this month. The site at Arrowe Park Hospital was last used as an isolation facility at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Some 19 British nationals were listed as passengers on the MV Hondius, and there were four British crew members.
Monitoring and Precautions
Those isolating at home and those who remain in hospital are being closely monitored by health authorities. The extended quarantine period reflects the seriousness of the hantavirus outbreak and the need to prevent further spread of the disease.
