18924 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

18924 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: What specific steps, if any, has the Ministry taken to ensure that frontline health providers, including Māori health providers, have up-to-date clinical guidance on hantavirus symptoms, transmission, and management?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that no individuals who may have been exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius are currently in New Zealand, and that the risk to New Zealand from hantavirus is currently considered low. Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation and maintain readiness to respond should this change. I am further advised that Health New Zealand is providing information to the health sector, including health providers, through public health advisories. Health NZ is also making up-to-date information on hantavirus available on its website. This information covers symptoms, transmission, and public health management.