New Zealand Passenger from Hantavirus Cruise Ship to be Released from Quarantine on June 7

Central News Agency, Taipei, June 2. A New Zealand passenger from the 'Hantavirus cruise ship' has reached the 38th day of 'enhanced self-health management' in Taiwan. CDC Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang stated that the passenger remains asymptomatic. Based on the maximum incubation period of 42 days, the monitoring period will conclude at midnight on June 6, allowing for release on June 7. On May 20, the UK notified the WHO of a cluster of severe acute respiratory infections on the Dutch cruise ship 'Hondius'. Tests confirmed the rare, human-to-human transmissible 'Andes virus'. There have been 13 cases and 3 deaths. As passengers are from 23 countries, international attention is high. The passenger who entered Taiwan tested negative, posing no community risk. According to the CDC, the passenger disembarked on April 24, and Taiwan was notified by New Zealand on May 13. The passenger was immediately placed under observation. Director-General Chuang noted that based on expert advice, the passenger was kept in a single-occupancy room, with three negative blood tests and no symptoms. Taiwan, as one of the 29 assisting nations, will ensure transparent communication with New Zealand.