6 passengers from hantavirus-hit ship arrive in Australia for 3-week quarantine
Six passengers from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius arrived in Perth, Australia, on Friday, May 15, 2026, for a mandatory three-week quarantine. The group, consisting of five Australians and one New Zealander, traveled from the Netherlands on a private jet and will be housed at the Bullsbrook quarantine facility. All six tested negative for the virus and showed no symptoms prior to their arrival. Australian Health Minister Mark Butler stated that the country is implementing stringent quarantine measures in response to the outbreak, which has resulted in three deaths among 11 cases on the ship. Decisions regarding precautions for the full 42-day incubation period are still being finalized.