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Our strong public health, biosecurity and surveillance systems are working to monitor the risk and ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect Australia.
About hantavirus
Hantavirus is not new. It is a group of viruses found in different parts of the world, most commonly associated with rodents.
Although hantavirus infection is serious, the likelihood of it causing a widespread outbreak is very low.
Human infection is rare and typically occurs through breathing in dust or air particles contaminated by the faeces, urine or nesting materials of infected rodents. It can also occur by direct contact with the urine, faeces or saliva of an infected rodent.
Andes virus is a type of hantavirus that is affecting people onboard the cruise ship. Although very uncommon, Andes virus can spread from an infected person who has symptoms through close and prolonged contact, such as people living together.
There is no evidence of transmission from asymptomatic people.
What’s being done
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the global risk as low, and is managing an internationally coordinated response, including:
- isolation and clinical management of cases
- contact tracing of close contacts
- environmental investigations (rodent exposure)
- infection prevention and control measures.
We are working closely with the WHO and other government agencies to monitor the situation. Australia has strong public health, biosecurity and surveillance systems in place.
Testing for hantavirus is not required for people who are asymptomatic.
Australian authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if circumstances change.
Learn more
Read more about hantavirus, see our latest situation report, or watch the WHO’s 7 May media briefing.