The World Health Organisation has released seven 'effective measures' to prevent the spread of hantavirus, as passengers from a virus-stricken cruise ship return to the UK. Multiple individuals from the MV Hondius are now at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, under close monitoring and testing following an outbreak that has resulted in confirmed cases and fatalities.
Understanding Hantavirus Transmission
While hantaviruses are typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents, the specific strain identified on the ship has previously shown potential for human-to-human transmission. The WHO emphasises that avoiding contact with infected individuals and rodents is the most critical preventive step.
WHO's Recommended Preventive Measures
The WHO has outlined the following effective measures:
- Keeping homes and workplaces clean
- Sealing openings that allow rodents to enter buildings
- Storing food securely
- Using safe cleaning practices in areas contaminated by rodents
- Avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
- Dampening contaminated areas before cleaning
- Strengthening hand hygiene practices
Human-to-Human Transmission Context
Historically, acquiring the virus from another person has required close and prolonged contact, particularly among household members and intimate partners during the early stages of illness. In most cases, transmission occurs when humans come into contact with urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents, often during cleaning of poorly ventilated spaces, sleeping in rodent-infested dwellings, or through occupational exposure in farming and forestry.
Official Statements and Risk Assessment
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: 'While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low. It's possible that more cases may be reported.' The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed on 11 May that strict infection control measures are in place as passengers complete an isolation period of up to 45 days, with regular testing and care provided by the NHS and UKHSA.
A total of 20 British nationals and one German national residing in the UK are being monitored in Wirral, alongside one Japanese passenger isolating in the UK at the request of the Japanese government. To date, three people have died in connection with the outbreak. One British man with hantavirus remains in care in Johannesburg, another is in the Netherlands, and a further British national is isolating on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, commented: 'Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers. The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority. The risk remains very low for members of the general public.'
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson added: 'I want to thank all those who have worked to bring our British nationals home and the NHS workers now caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital – their dedication and professionalism show our NHS at its very best. None of the passengers are symptomatic but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period. With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.'
Symptoms and Progression
Symptoms of hantavirus can take weeks to appear after initial exposure, and early signs may be mistaken for flu or other common respiratory conditions. As the disease progresses, it can rapidly lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, bleeding disorders, or kidney failure, depending on the strain.
