Six passengers linked to a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak are set to travel from the Netherlands to Australia on Thursday under strict health precautions, Australian authorities confirmed.
According to Australian Health Minister Mark Butler, the group includes four Australians, one British resident of Australia, and one New Zealander. Officials said all six passengers are currently in good health, showing no symptoms, and have recently tested negative for the virus.
To ensure safe transport, the Australian government has arranged a dedicated flight departing from the Netherlands. Everyone onboard, including passengers and crew, will wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the journey as an added safety measure.
The flight is expected to land on Friday at an air force base in Perth, close to a specialised 500-bed quarantine facility. Upon arrival, the passengers will undergo additional testing and remain in mandatory quarantine for at least three weeks.
Australian authorities said the strict isolation measures are being enforced due to concerns over the virus’ incubation period, which can reportedly extend up to 42 days in some cases. Officials are still considering what additional monitoring steps may be required after the initial quarantine period ends.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease usually transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, particularly through their urine, droppings, or saliva. Health experts have stressed that there is currently no risk to the wider Australian public from the arriving passengers.
