Australia extends quarantine to 42 days for MV Hondius cruise ship passengers after hantavirus outbreak

Australian authorities have extended quarantine for six repatriated passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship to 42 days following a hantavirus outbreak onboard. The ship, sailing from Argentina toward Cape Verde, reported at least 11 confirmed cases and three deaths. Passengers—comprising four Australian citizens, one permanent resident, and one New Zealand national—are being held at a facility near Perth, Western Australia since 15 May. Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed passengers remain well. The virus spreads through contact with rodent excreta and saliva, causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The ship is undergoing deep cleaning in Rotterdam before returning to the Netherlands. Separately, British nationals and crew members have been repatriated and are isolating at home or receiving hospital monitoring in the UK.