Australian Government Evacuates Six Hantavirus-Exposed Cruise Ship Passengers in Full PPE; 11 Cases Confirmed with 3 Deaths

Six passengers exposed to a hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch-registered cruise ship MV Hondius are being evacuated to Perth, Australia, in a complex multinational operation. The Australian government chartered a dedicated aircraft with crew willing to quarantine, requiring intensive coordination with international partners. All evacuees tested negative and show no symptoms, but will quarantine for at least three weeks upon arrival. The outbreak, linked to the cruise ship, has produced 11 reported cases with 9 confirmed and 3 deaths. One French passenger remains critically ill. The ship will undergo thorough disinfection before crew disembark and quarantine. WHO notes the outbreak's long incubation period means additional cases may emerge in coming weeks, though the general public threat remains low.