90-Second Read: New Zealander onboard cruise ship during deadly Hantavirus outbreak finally heading home

A New Zealander and five Australians who were onboard a cruise ship which experienced a deadly Hantavirus outbreak are heading home after six weeks in quarantine. The passengers were on the MV Hondius which experienced an outbreak of the rodent-borne disease. The last Hantavirus case reported by the World Health Organisation in connection to the ship was four weeks ago in Spain, bringing the total to 13, three of them fatal.

The ABC was reporting they left early on Tuesday morning, Perth time. Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said at the weekend the group had remained well over the entire period and were continuing to test negative. New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade would not comment on plans to bring the New Zealander home "for privacy reasons" but said it was continuing to provide assistance and support.

An Australian in quarantine, Peter Marsh, spoke to the ABC last week, saying the group's daily routine included symptom checks and two two-hourly slots a for individual walks around the grounds. The walks made a big difference to everyone's wellbeing, he said.