Second Kiwi isolating overseas after cruise ship hantavirus exposure

The Ministry of Health says the health risk from hantavirus to the New Zealand public is still low. Photo / AFP

Health officials say they are supporting overseas authorities in isolating a second Kiwi who has been exposed to hantavirus abroad.

On Thursday last week, the Ministry of Health became aware of the New Zealand dual national and notified health authorities in their place of residence.

The ministry says the health risk to the New Zealand public is still low, and they are not aware of anyone living in the country who has been exposed to the virus.

Health authorities where the New Zealander is currently residing have been notified, and the person has been advised to isolate and stay in place.

Their health care has been taken over by the relevant local health authorities, as has any contact tracing and contact management of infectious diseases.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is offering consular support to the New Zealand dual national during this time.

No further information will be provided for privacy reasons.

The first New Zealander who was exposed to hantavirus is reportedly in “good health” and is expected to depart the Netherlands on a flight to Australia.

On Tuesday, the ABC reported the Australian Government was hopeful it would finalise plans to have six passengers, including the New Zealander, on the way to start quarantine in Australia within 48 hours.

Australian Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the Australian passengers and the Kiwi are “all in good health” and in “relatively good spirits” despite what they have been through.

This comes after three people died and at least six others were infected after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship during its voyage around South America last month.

The NZ Ministry of Health is reassuring Kiwis that public health services are well situated to support returnees who have potentially been exposed to hantavirus, with capacity to support their quarantine on entry.

There are processes in place to alert public health services if someone who has been exposed to hantavirus travels to New Zealand.

More information about hantavirus is available on the Health New Zealand website.