MV Hondius has been cleared by to resume full service after a disinfection process following a hantavirus outbreak, while six people continue their isolation in Bullsbrook quarantine centre north of Perth.
The Dutch expedition cruise ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, will now prepare for its first voyage of the Arctic season which departs from Longyearbyen on June 13.
The four Australian citizens, one permanent resident and one New Zealander, who arrived in Western Australia two weeks ago on a government-chartered flight after disembarking the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, tested negative for the virus.
Currently isolating at the Bullsbrook quarantine centre north of Perth, they will only be retested if they develop symptoms which include feeling unwell, fever, general pain and possible breathing difficulties. The mortality rate is low, as deaths only occur in extreme cases when the lungs or kidney get infected. The hantavirus is not a common virus and is typically carried by infected rats through saliva and faeces.
The incubation period is typically between four to six weeks, with the World Health Organization recommending an isolation period of 42 days for those who test positive.
Eleven of the 170 passengers on MV Hondius contracted the Andes virus strain after allegedly going birdwatching in Argentina, when they were exposed to infected rodents. Three deaths were reported on the ship.
A team of 13 biosecurity experts from specialist company EWS Group carried out the disinfection process of the ship which covered all eight decks and treatments of all surfaces. The vessel was declared rodent-free by professionals as part of the process.
All crew members present during the voyage on April 1 from Ushuaia when the cases of hantavirus were discovered have disembarked the vessel and are still in quarantine.
“We are grateful for the professionalism and commitment shown by all parties involved,” Oceanwide Expeditions chief executive, Rémi Bouysset, said. “The close cooperation between our teams and the operational expertise provided by EWS Group played an important role in the successful completion of this complex disinfection operation and the vessel’s preparation for return to service.”
