An outbreak on a Dutch-flagged ship has resulted in the deaths of three individuals after it was stranded off the coast of Cape Verde, following a series of health emergencies that originated in Europe.
According to Butler, a crew member initially tested positive for the virus while the ship was in the Netherlands, and a passenger subsequently contracted the illness in Spain.
In light of the continued threat posed by the virus, Butler recommended that the group remains in quarantine until June 23 to mitigate further spread.
“Passengers have been briefed on the government’s guidance and decision,” Butler stated.
He reassured the public that, “All individuals on board are in good health. Recent tests conducted within the last 24 to 36 hours have confirmed that all six of the remaining passengers are still testing negative.”
However, Butler cautioned that, “Despite the negative test results, advice from both our public health officials and the World Health Organization suggests that the risk of testing positive remains during the 42-day incubation period.”
The six have been undergoing full medical checks, including blood work, which will be flown to Melbourne for processing.
All passengers tested negative for Hantavirus when they left the Netherlands and have been in good health.
Of the five passengers who live in Australia, three are residents of NSW, and two of Queensland.
It was the first-ever case of a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, according to Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness.
Butler previously said the government was taking a precautionary approach, emphasising that human-to-human transmission of the virus was extremely rare.
