New Zealanders returning from a cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak could face quarantine on arrival home, health authorities have confirmed.
The Ministry of Health says it is working closely with the World Health Organisation and international partners to support repatriation efforts. Dr Richard Jaine confirmed there is no reason to believe any New Zealanders have contracted the virus, adding that repatriation plans would include a thorough health assessment.
Dr Jaine said it is important to take all possible steps to manage any potential risk to the public. Depending on the level of risk, that could include a period of quarantine for any exposed individual upon their return to New Zealand.
New Zealand's health services are well-placed to respond should a case arise, Dr Jaine said. He noted that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is rare, requiring prolonged and direct exposure to a case, and said it isn't like the flu or Covid-19.
The head of the World Health Organisation has travelled to Tenerife to reassure residents that there is a low risk of contracting the disease when the ship arrives. The WHO has formally assessed the global risk as low, with the specific risk to New Zealand likewise rated as low.
