May 18
HANTAVIRUS : What Your Aged Care Team Needs to Know
Hantavirus is in the headlines following the cruise-ship cluster reported in early May
2026, and with Australians and New Zealanders among the passengers, your
residents, families, and team will be asking: “Should we be worried?” Here are some
evidence-based answers you need to lead those conversations.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is not a single disease; it is a family of viruses carried primarily by wild
rodents. The two clinical syndromes you will hear most about are:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) - severe lung disease seen mostly in the Americas, caused by hantaviruses such as Sin Nombre and Andes virus (ANDV).
- Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) - a kidney-focused illness
seen mostly in Asia and Europe, caused by viruses such as Seoul, Puumala,
and Hantaan.
Both are serious. HPS has a case fatality rate of about 38%, which is why every
suspected case warrants urgent specialist care.
Source: Clinician Brief - Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (US CDC, 2026); Doherty Institute Hantavirus
Q&A (2026)
Is This Another COVID?
In a word - no. The differences matter:
- COVID -19 spreads efficiently from person to person via airborne droplets and aerosols.
- Hantavirus is primarily a “rodent-to-human” virus. People become infected by inhaling dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
- Most hantaviruses, including every strain detected in Australia, do not spread from person to person.
- Andes virus (ANDV) is the exception, but it requires close, prolonged contact
(think household-level exposure) and does not spread easily through casual or
workplace contact.
The cruise-ship cluster on the MV Hondius (May 2026) involved unusually close conditions and a high-risk strain. Even so, the World Health Organisation and the Australian Centre for Disease Control continue to classify the population-level risk as low.
Sources: WHO Disease Outbreak News, 2026-DON600; Australian Centre for Disease Control
Hantavirus Risk to Australia (2026)
Hantavirus Risk to Australia (2026)
How Does Hantavirus Spread?
The transmission routes are well understood and entirely manageable through
standard infection prevention and control (IPC) practices.
- Inhalation of contaminated dust - the dominant route. Disturbing rodent nests, droppings, or urine releases virus particles into the air.
- Direct contact - touching contaminated surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Rodent bites or scratches - uncommon but documented.
- Contaminated food or water - rare but possible if rodent waste contaminates unsealed food.
- Person-to-person spread - occurs only with the Andes virus and only through close, prolonged contact.
Australia has never recorded a confirmed human case of hantavirus, and New Zealand
sits in the same low-risk category.
Sources: CSIRO - Hantavirus: the 'silent' virus (May 2026); CDC Hantavirus Clinical Overview (2026)
Sources: CSIRO - Hantavirus: the 'silent' virus (May 2026); CDC Hantavirus Clinical Overview (2026)
What Are the Symptoms?
Hantavirus is difficult to distinguish from other respiratory or febrile illnesses in its early
stages, which is why a travel history is essential.
Early symptoms (1-8 weeks after exposure):
- Fever, chills, and muscle aches - particularly in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders
- Fatigue
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain
Late symptoms (within 4-10 days of onset):
- Cough and worsening shortness of breath
- Chest tightness as the lungs fill with fluid (HPS)
- Low blood pressure and acute kidney failure (HFRS)
If a resident, family member, or team member develops these symptoms and has
recently travelled to South or North America, or has had contact with someone who
has, escalate immediately to your medical officer and the local public health unit.
*Source: Aged Care IPC Guide (ACSQHC/ACQSC, 2024); CDC Hantavirus Clinical Brief (2026)*
How Is Hantavirus Treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment and no licensed vaccine for hantavirus. Care is
entirely supportive, so early recognition and rapid transfer save lives.
- Hospital admission, usually to an intensive care unit
- Oxygen therapy and, in severe cases, mechanical ventilation
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the sickest patients
- Haemofiltration for kidney failure (HFRS)
- Close management of fluids, electrolytes, and blood pressure
The most important determinant of survival is how quickly a suspected case reaches
an ICU.
Source: CDC Clinical Overview of Hantavirus (2026)
Is Hantavirus a Threat to Your Aged Care Facility?
The direct risk to your residents and team in Australia or New Zealand is very low, far
lower than that of influenza, RSV, COVID-19, or norovirus. But low risk is not no risk,
and proactive practice always beats reactive scrambling.
Stay alert to three realistic scenarios:
- A returned traveller (resident, family member, or team member) presenting with unexplained fever or respiratory symptoms after travel to the Americas
- An uncontrolled rodent infestation in or around your facility
- A new team member or visitor who has had close contact with a confirmed case overseas
In each case, your existing IPC framework already meets the requirements.
What Can Your Team Do Right Now?
Hantavirus does not require a new program - it requires the IPC fundamentals your
team already practises daily.
- Maintain rodent control. Your pest management contract is an IPC control. Check that it is current, bait stations are inspected on schedule, and food and waste areas are sealed and clean.
- Reinforce Standard Precautions. Hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are effective against hantavirus just as they are against other pathogens.
- Train your cleaning team. Never sweep or vacuum visible rodent droppings. Spray with a 1:10 bleach solution, leave for 5 minutes, then wipe with disposable cloths while wearing gloves and a P2/N95 respirator.
- Take a travel history. Add an overseas travel prompt to admission, return-from leave, and acute-illness assessments.
- Know your escalation pathway. Your IPC Lead, medical officer, and local public health unit are your first three points of contact.
- Communicate calmly with families. Use this blog or your facility messaging to
head off anxiety with facts.
Hantavirus is a reminder that proactive IPC - not panic - is what keeps your residents
safe.
Sources: Aged Care IPC Guide (ACSQHC/ACQSC, 2024); Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
(effective 1 November 2025); NZS 8134:2021 Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard;
Australian Centre for Disease Control — Hantavirus (2026).
Visit the IPC HUB to read more blogs, and let us know if there is a subject you would
like us to cover.
For that quick question, ask EVE or contact our team: support@infection control.care Follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn
For that quick question, ask EVE or contact our team: support@infection control.care Follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn
Lyndon Forrest
Managing Director | CEO
Lyndon is the Managing Director of Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 30 years' experience supporting aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a background spanning outbreak response, compliance, and infection risk management — alongside hands-on experience leading teams, managing multi-site operations, and navigating business turnaround — he understands both the clinical and organisational pressures aged care providers face. Lyndon holds a Master of Commerce (Industrial Relations), and applies that foundation to the people, process, and growth challenges that come with running a complex healthcare services business.
He is passionate about building the systems and capability that make infection prevention sustainable — not just compliant — and about helping organisations grow their confidence alongside their practice.
Lyndon's focus is straightforward: strengthen operations, develop the right people, and drive proactive infection prevention strategies that protect residents, staff, and communities for the long term.
Lyndon is the Managing Director of Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 30 years' experience supporting aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a background spanning outbreak response, compliance, and infection risk management — alongside hands-on experience leading teams, managing multi-site operations, and navigating business turnaround — he understands both the clinical and organisational pressures aged care providers face. Lyndon holds a Master of Commerce (Industrial Relations), and applies that foundation to the people, process, and growth challenges that come with running a complex healthcare services business.
He is passionate about building the systems and capability that make infection prevention sustainable — not just compliant — and about helping organisations grow their confidence alongside their practice.
Lyndon's focus is straightforward: strengthen operations, develop the right people, and drive proactive infection prevention strategies that protect residents, staff, and communities for the long term.
Erica Callaghan
Marketing Manager
Erica Callaghan is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Erica Callaghan is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Toni Sherriff
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Julie Hadfield
Accounts & Payroll
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Andrea Murray
Content Editor
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
Personally, I lived in the UK for 10 years. My two children were born in Scotland, and now both are living in Europe, one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. I live close to Fairlie on the South Island of NZ, a beautiful part of the country, and I love being out of the city.
Princess
Customer Support
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Dianne Newey
Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
Dianne is a Senior Clinical Consultant at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 35 years of nursing experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that most people would need two careers to accumulate.
Having served as Clinical Director at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Hospital alongside a career spanning the full breadth of clinical practice, Dianne has seen it all — and more importantly, knows exactly what to do about it. She is the person in the room that everyone quietly hopes will speak first.
For more than seven years she has been a cornerstone of the IPS team, providing clinical advice, developing and reviewing policies and procedures, delivering monthly IPC webinars to IP Leads, and conducting environmental audits in aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. If infection prevention has a question, Dianne almost certainly has the answer — and she'll deliver it with a laugh that you'll hear from the other end of the corridor.
A true fountain of knowledge, wrapped in the kind of warmth and humour that only three decades of nursing can produce. Customers don't just trust Dianne — they look forward to hearing from her.
Dianne is a Senior Clinical Consultant at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 35 years of nursing experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that most people would need two careers to accumulate.
Having served as Clinical Director at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Hospital alongside a career spanning the full breadth of clinical practice, Dianne has seen it all — and more importantly, knows exactly what to do about it. She is the person in the room that everyone quietly hopes will speak first.
For more than seven years she has been a cornerstone of the IPS team, providing clinical advice, developing and reviewing policies and procedures, delivering monthly IPC webinars to IP Leads, and conducting environmental audits in aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. If infection prevention has a question, Dianne almost certainly has the answer — and she'll deliver it with a laugh that you'll hear from the other end of the corridor.
A true fountain of knowledge, wrapped in the kind of warmth and humour that only three decades of nursing can produce. Customers don't just trust Dianne — they look forward to hearing from her.
Caoimhe (Keva) Stewart
Clinical & Business Operations Manager
Caoimhe is the Clinical & Business Operations Manager at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing a clinical background as a Registered Nurse across the UK and Australia — and an almost unsettling ability to make technology do exactly what she wants.
With experience in Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, she understands the real challenges faced by healthcare teams. What she may lack in stature she more than makes up for in impact — Caoimhe is the kind of person who walks into a problem, sizes it up, and has three solutions before anyone else has finished reading the brief.
Customers love her. Not just because she delivers — though she always does — but because she genuinely cares about the outcome on the other side. She is passionate about creating seamless learning experiences and empowering organisations with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve care outcomes.
Small in size. Mighty in results. Completely irreplaceable.
Caoimhe is the Clinical & Business Operations Manager at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing a clinical background as a Registered Nurse across the UK and Australia — and an almost unsettling ability to make technology do exactly what she wants.
With experience in Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, she understands the real challenges faced by healthcare teams. What she may lack in stature she more than makes up for in impact — Caoimhe is the kind of person who walks into a problem, sizes it up, and has three solutions before anyone else has finished reading the brief.
Customers love her. Not just because she delivers — though she always does — but because she genuinely cares about the outcome on the other side. She is passionate about creating seamless learning experiences and empowering organisations with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve care outcomes.
Small in size. Mighty in results. Completely irreplaceable.
Bridgette Mackie
Clinical Nurse Educator
Bridgette is an experienced New Zealand Registered Nurse, qualified Healthcare Auditor, and Healthcare Educator with a strong background in clinical quality, competency assessment, and infection prevention. She has led large-scale OSCE and CAP training programmes for internationally qualified nurses, developed sector-specific educational resources, and coordinated HealthCERT audit preparation in the surgical sector.
Known for her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for supporting learners, Bridgette excels at making complex topics accessible and relevant. She blends operational leadership with a deep commitment to professional development and safe, effective practice.
Bridgette is an experienced New Zealand Registered Nurse, qualified Healthcare Auditor, and Healthcare Educator with a strong background in clinical quality, competency assessment, and infection prevention. She has led large-scale OSCE and CAP training programmes for internationally qualified nurses, developed sector-specific educational resources, and coordinated HealthCERT audit preparation in the surgical sector.
Known for her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for supporting learners, Bridgette excels at making complex topics accessible and relevant. She blends operational leadership with a deep commitment to professional development and safe, effective practice.