Leveraging its expertise in emergency health operations, clinical support and incident coordination, the NCCTRC led quarantine operations on behalf of the Australian Government for five Australian passengers and one New Zealand citizen repatriated from the Netherlands to the Centre for National Resilience at Bullsbrook in Perth in May this year.

The outbreak highlighted how an uncommon zoonotic disease can generate significant international public health consequences, requiring coordinated action across jurisdictions in accordance with the International Health Regulations.

The World Health Organization declared the outbreak on 2 May following reports of severe respiratory illness among passengers and crew aboard the M/V Hondius, which carried 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries.

As of 2 July, a total of 13 cases (12 confirmed and one probable), including three deaths, had been reported internationally. No cases were identified in Australia.

The Bullsbrook operation represented the first activation of the purpose-built Centre for National Resilience for its intended quarantine function and the first implementation of mandatory quarantine arrangements for international repatriates since the covid-19 pandemic.

Following several requests, NCCTRC personnel deployed quickly to Bullsbrook on 12 May to establish quarantine facilities, develop operational arrangements, and coordinate clinical and welfare support services.

Prior to passenger arrival, the NCCTRC provided operational briefings and training to participating agencies and stakeholders, including guidance on personal protective equipment use and infection prevention and control measures.

The six passengers arrived at RAAF Base Pearce on 15 May and were transferred under controlled conditions by the NCCTRC team to the Centre for National Resilience, where they commenced a 21-day quarantine period following potential exposure to hantavirus.

On 28 May, following advice from the Australian Health Protection Committee and consultation with public health authorities, the quarantine period was extended by a further 17 days, a total of 42 days.

Throughout the operation, NCCTRC staff provided clinical oversight, welfare support, logistical coordination, and operational management to ensure the safe and effective delivery of quarantine arrangements.

Strong communication and rapport between staff and passengers contributed to high levels of compliance with public health measures and supported passenger wellbeing throughout the extended quarantine period.

All six passengers remained asymptomatic and tested negative for hantavirus by PCR and serology throughout their stay.

Following completion of quarantine requirements, all passengers were formally cleared and discharged from the Centre for National Resilience on 23 June.

The operation demonstrated the NCCTRC’s capacity to rapidly establish and manage complex quarantine arrangements, coordinate a multi-agency response, and support the Australian Government during a public health emergency of international significance.

It also reinforced the Centre’s role as a nationally deployable capability for managing health emergencies requiring specialised clinical, operational, and logistical expertise. TQ