6 passengers from hantavirus-hit ship arrive in Australia for 3-week quarantine

On 2026-05-16, Australia received six passengers from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius and placed them into a quarantine expected to last at least three weeks. Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said the government would implement a strong quarantine response to prevent any transmission into the Australian community. The passengers were transported to the Bullsbrook quarantine facility near Perth for further health assessments.