Australians Quarantined 45 Days in Perth After Ship Virus Outbreak

Australians returning from a cruise ship with a deadly virus outbreak will undergo a strict 45-day quarantine in Perth. This is much longer than typical quarantine periods.
By Newsroom | Health, Australia |

Australians and a New Zealand citizen, repatriated from the MV Hondius cruise ship linked to a deadly Hantavirus outbreak, are set for a 45-day strict quarantine period in Perth, Western Australia.== The Commonwealth-assisted flight carrying the group, including four Australian citizens and one permanent resident, is expected to land in Perth on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Upon arrival, they will be transferred to a dedicated quarantine facility in Bullsbrook, a site prepared during the COVID-19 pandemic but previously unused. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Monday afternoon that Hantavirus will be listed as a human disease under the Biosecurity Act, enabling a unified national quarantine response.

Passenger Repatriation and Health Measures

The repatriation effort involves a chartered flight departing from Tenerife, where the MV Hondius is currently docked, on Monday night local time. According to the latest reports, none of the returning passengers are currently displaying symptoms of the virus. However, the extended quarantine period is a precautionary measure, reflecting the seriousness of the Hantavirus.

Read More: Hantavirus on Cruise Ship: Passengers Monitored in US

  • The group comprises four Australian citizens and one Australian permanent resident.

  • A New Zealand citizen is also part of the evacuated contingent.

  • The flight is expected to land at Perth's RAAF Base Pearce before passengers are moved to the quarantine facility.

  • The duration of the quarantine is stipulated to be at least three weeks, with one report specifying up to 45 days.

Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius

The MV Hondius cruise ship has been grappling with a Hantavirus outbreak, a rare virus transmitted by rodents. The outbreak has resulted in three confirmed deaths among passengers: a German woman and two Dutch nationals. Reports indicate six passengers have been confirmed to have contracted the virus, with a total of eight individuals no longer on board falling ill. The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, with the first passenger death recorded on April 11.

The cruise ship's itinerary and management of the situation have drawn scrutiny. Some crew members and the body of a deceased passenger will remain on board the MV Hondius, which is slated to sail to Rotterdam for disinfection.

Read More: Australians From Hantavirus Ship Face 3-Week Quarantine Near Perth

Inter-governmental Coordination

The decision to quarantine passengers in Perth reflects a coordinated effort between federal and Western Australian state governments. WA Premier Roger Cook has stated his government is prepared to assist with the operation. The inclusion of Hantavirus under the Biosecurity Act aims to prevent a fragmented, state-by-state response, a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussions regarding the repatriation and quarantine of the New Zealand citizen are ongoing between New Zealand health authorities and international partners. New Zealand's Director of Public Health, Corina Grey, stated that New Zealand health services are equipped to support quarantine measures if required, though specifics on the New Zealander's quarantine arrangements remain unconfirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Australians being quarantined for 45 days in Perth?
Australians and a New Zealander are returning from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which had a Hantavirus outbreak causing three deaths. They will undergo a strict 45-day quarantine in Perth as a safety measure.
Q: When will the passengers arrive in Perth and where will they stay?
The flight is expected to land in Perth on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Passengers will be taken to a special quarantine facility in Bullsbrook, which was prepared during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: Are the returning passengers sick with Hantavirus?
No, the latest reports state that none of the returning passengers are showing symptoms of the virus. The extended quarantine is a precaution because of the seriousness of Hantavirus.
Q: How many people have died from the Hantavirus outbreak on the ship?
Three passengers have died from the Hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. The victims were a German woman and two Dutch nationals.
Q: What is Hantavirus and how is it spread?
Hantavirus is a rare virus that is spread by rodents. It can cause serious illness in humans. The outbreak on the ship is believed to have started from rodents.
Q: What is being done to prevent future outbreaks like this?
The Australian government is listing Hantavirus under the Biosecurity Act to allow a unified national quarantine response. This is a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid different state rules.