Six passengers from a cruise ship that experienced a hantavirus outbreak arrived in Australia on Friday for an extended quarantine period. The passengers, including five Australians and one New Zealand citizen, were transported on a Gulfstream business jet from the Netherlands to RAAF Base Pearce near Perth.

The passengers were transferred to the Bullsbrook quarantine facility, which had remained largely unused since its construction in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian Health Minister Mark Butler described the quarantine arrangements as among the strongest implemented in response to the virus outbreak.

The outbreak occurred aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius during a voyage from Argentina to Antarctica and several isolated South Atlantic islands. The outbreak has resulted in 10 confirmed cases and three deaths, according to available reports. All six passengers who arrived in Australia tested negative for the virus before departure and showed no symptoms.

The quarantine period is expected to last at least three weeks, though officials have not yet determined what additional precautions may be necessary for the remainder of the 42-day potential incubation period identified by the World Health Organization. Other passengers who returned to the United States and Britain will complete most of their quarantine periods at home.

The MV Hondius is currently sailing back to the Netherlands following the evacuation of all passengers and many crew members. The ship will undergo cleaning and disinfection procedures upon its return to port.