NCCTRC leads national quarantine facility following hantavirus outbreak

01 Jul 2026

The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) led the Australian Government’s health response to manage the quarantine of 6 passengers from the MV Hondius at the Centre for National Resilience (CNR) in Bullsbrook Western Australia.

The group of 4 Australian citizens, one permanent resident and one New Zealand citizen were repatriated to Australia following potential exposure to hantavirus during an outbreak on board the expedition cruise vessel in April. After arriving in Western Australia from the Netherlands, the group entered quarantine at the Bullsbrook facility, 40 minutes north-east of Perth, where they were supported under quarantine measures throughout the 6-week observation period.

NCCTRC personnel deployed from Darwin to lead the establishment and operational management of the facility, drawing on the Centre’s experience in infectious disease preparedness, quarantine operations and deployable health response. The team worked closely with the Australian Government and Western Australian partners to support safe reception, monitoring and care arrangements.

During quarantine passengers underwent regular health assessments, including symptom monitoring and diagnostic testing, while remaining safely isolated from the broader community. The operation prioritised both public health protection and the health, wellbeing and practical needs of those completing quarantine.

Following 42 days of quarantine, all 6 passengers remained well, consistently tested negative for hantavirus and were supported to continue their onward travel home.

The deployment highlights the importance of maintaining national capability to rapidly establish and operate controlled health facilities during complex public health emergencies. It also reflects the value of coordinated planning, strong partnerships and specialist health capability.

NCCTRC Executive Director Professor Len Notaras AO said the response reflected the Centre’s ability to bring together specialist personnel, systems and operational experience at short notice.

This operation required careful coordination across jurisdictions and agencies to support passengers while protecting the health and safety of the wider community.

Members from Australian Border Force process a passenger after arriving on a repatriation flight at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia. *** Local Caption *** On 15 May 2026 Defence supported Whole of Australian Government efforts to repatriate Australian and New Zealand citizens and an Australian permanent resident who were passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius after an outbreak of hantavirus onboard. Defence facilitated their arrival via charter aircraft at RAAF Pearce and transfer to a Western Australian quarantine facility under the care of health authorities. Defence assisted under Australian Government Crisis Management Framework provisions for the repatriation of Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals.

“I thank all NCCTRC personnel and partner agencies involved in this response for their professionalism, compassion and commitment throughout the deployment.” Professor Notaras said.

The NCCTRC continues to support Australia’s capacity to prepare for, respond to and recover from health emergencies through training, operational readiness and deployable health capability.