90-Second Read: Hantavirus cruise ship passengers have WA quarantine period extended

Six people who were on a cruise ship that was hit by an outbreak of Hantavirus have had their quarantine period in the outer Perth suburb of Bullsbrook extended until June 23. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the decision to extend their quarantine period was made based on advice from health authorities after another two passengers, from Spain and the Netherlands, tested positive for the deadly infection. Over the last few days there have been two additional reports of Hantavirus infections connected with this cruise ship on the weekend.

The six people will now remain at a quarantine facility in Bullsbrook until late next month. The four Australian citizens, one permanent resident and one New Zealand citizen arrived at the Centre for National Resilience in Bullsbrook on May 15. Mark Butler says none of the six people are showing signs of the virus.

Mr Butler said they had been informed of the decision and remained well. They've only been tested again in the last 24 or 36 hours or so and all six have again tested negative.