Australian health authorities are closely monitoring developments after a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean.
At least four Australians were believed to have been on board during the outbreak involving the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, which differs from most forms of the disease because it can spread between humans. One Australian passenger has since returned home after disembarking on the island of Saint Helena.
As of May 8, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was not aware of any Australians testing positive, however authorities continue to monitor the situation carefully.
Hantavirus is typically spread from rodents to humans through exposure to contaminated droppings, urine or saliva, and can cause severe respiratory illness. While the virus is more commonly associated with parts of South America, concerns have been raised about the possibility of infected rodents arriving in Australia through international shipping routes.
Researchers from CSIRO have previously detected hantavirus antibodies in some Australian rodents, suggesting related viruses may already exist locally at low levels.
Experts stress the overall risk to the Australian public remains low, but say the outbreak highlights the importance of biosecurity monitoring at ports and international entry points.
Image source: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk