Twenty British passengers, along with one German national and one Japanese passenger, have been repatriated to the UK from Tenerife following a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. The group arrived at Manchester Airport on Sunday evening via a chartered flight and were subsequently transported to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral for an initial isolation period.
Isolation and Testing Protocol
Passengers will undergo clinical assessment and testing at the managed facility for up to 72 hours, with public health specialists then determining if they can complete a 45-day isolation at home or another suitable location. Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust confirmed that no one transferred to Arrowe Park is symptomatic, and the risk of hantavirus to the general public is considered 'really low' due to its requirement for very close contact.
Outbreak Details
The outbreak on the MV Hondius has seen eight suspected cases, including three fatalities, while two confirmed British cases are being treated abroad and a third suspected case is being supported on Tristan da Cunha.
