Canberra, May 28: The quarantine period for six cruise passengers who traveled on the MV Hondius has been extended until June. This decision was made as a precautionary measure after some passengers from the same ship tested positive for hantavirus.
Four Australian citizens, one permanent resident, and one New Zealand national have been in a national quarantine facility near Perth since May 15. Their isolation period has now been extended to June 23 to fully cover the potential 42-day incubation period for the virus.
Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this decision was based on advice from public health experts and the World Health Organization (WHO).
So far, all six passengers have tested negative and show no symptoms. However, officials caution that the possibility of late-onset symptoms cannot be entirely ruled out.
This situation is linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which has previously reported several infection cases. The latest data indicates that the number of cases associated with this outbreak has risen to 13. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed deaths related to the infection since May 2.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that three fatalities have occurred due to this infection, while other patients are currently receiving treatment, and the situation remains stable.
Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease, typically spread through contact with infected rodents or mice. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.
The WHO has stated that the overall public risk remains low, but it is essential to monitor all passengers who came into contact with the infected individuals for 42 days as a precaution.
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