Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: Quarantine Extended in Perth

Six passengers from the cruise ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak have been ordered to extend their quarantine in Perth, Australia. The decision follows new case reports heightening concerns over transmission risks.

The group, comprising four Australian citizens, one permanent resident, and one New Zealand national, was initially scheduled to complete their isolation at the Bullsbrook Centre for National Resilience on 3 June. However, health authorities have now mandated they remain until 23 June.

Australian Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed the extension on Thursday (28 May) local time, following World Health Organization (WHO) confirmation of two new positive cases on the MV Hondius cruise ship.

“In the past few days, two additional hantavirus infections linked to the cruise ship have been reported,” Butler said. “It is appropriate for the quarantine measures to remain in place for the remainder of the 42-day incubation period until 23 June.”

The two new cases involve a Spanish crew member and a Dutch passenger. To date, 13 hantavirus cases linked to the ship have been recorded, with three fatalities reported.

The six individuals in quarantine arrived in Australia on 15 May via a government-chartered flight from Europe. Despite the extended quarantine, Butler confirmed their health remains stable.

“They have undergone retesting in the past 24 to 36 hours, with all six returning negative results,” he added. However, based on WHO advice, a positive result remains possible until the full 42-day incubation period has passed.

Australia has never recorded any human hantavirus cases. Strict quarantine measures are in place to prevent the virus from entering and spreading in Australia.