Six people evacuated from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak have left Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral to complete their 45-day isolation at home, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. The passengers from the MV Hondius had been admitted to the Merseyside hospital for checks by public health and clinical specialists.
After receiving negative test results, the individuals will be allowed to leave the facility to isolate at home or other suitable accommodation. Travel arrangements will be managed with public health protections in place at every stage, and health protection teams will continue to monitor them through daily contact.
Twenty-two passengers and crew have been isolating at Arrowe Park, including 20 British nationals, a German national who is a UK resident, and a Japanese national. All have tested negative and remain asymptomatic, according to the UKHSA. It has not specified how long the remaining passengers will stay at the hospital.
Ten other Britons linked to the outbreak are being brought to the UK from St Helena and Ascension Island in the south Atlantic to complete their isolation as a precautionary measure. A medic on Ascension Island developed symptoms but tested negative; further tests are under way to determine if the symptoms are due to an unrelated illness.
UKHSA Chief Scientific Officer Prof Robin May said: “Our teams are working closely with FCDO colleagues and leaders on Ascension Island to repatriate British nationals who are now isolating on the island. Testing is under way to confirm the cause of illness for the person displaying symptoms.” He commended those who cooperated with isolation arrangements and noted the international efforts to contain the outbreak.
Eleven hantavirus cases have been reported among people on the cruise so far, including three deaths. Nine of the 11 cases are confirmed, with two more probable.
