Following the arrival in Australia of six former passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship after a hantavirus outbreak, Burnet Institute Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Suman Majumdar said the situation was a timely reminder of the importance of pandemic preparedness.
"While the risk to the wider Australian community appears to be low, this is exactly the kind of event that reminds us why pandemic preparedness matters," Associate Professor Majumdar said.
"Most outbreaks will not become pandemics. But each situation gives us a chance to test whether the right systems are in place. This includes surveillance, quarantine, contact tracing, communication with the public, and coordination across borders.
"The response to the cruise ship passengers may look cautious, but that is appropriate when dealing with an infectious disease where there are still uncertainties and where people may have had a shared exposure. Acting early and carefully is far better than trying to catch up later."
"The Andes strain of hantavirus is unusual because it can spread between people through close and prolonged contact, and may also spread through particles in the air," Associate Professor Majumdar said.
"Understanding the science and biology of how a virus spreads is critical to getting the public health response right. Where there is evidence or concern about possible airborne spread, authorities need to act promptly with proportionate measures, including ventilation and air cleaning, masks, and appropriate isolation and quarantine.
"For Australia, this should be seen as a practical test run for our protocols. Whether different agencies work together quickly and whether we are communicating risk in a way that is accurate, calm and useful.
"The broader lesson is not that the public should be alarmed, but that preparedness is an ongoing responsibility. We need to keep investing in the systems, people and partnerships that allow us to respond well before a threat escalates."
For the latest advice on Australia’s Hantavirus risk visit: https://www.cdc.gov.au/newsroom/news-and-articles/hantavirus-risk-australia-remains-low
