Ten more passengers from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak are being flown to the United Kingdom for precautionary monitoring. The individuals, who are British nationals from the UK overseas territories of St Helena and Ascension Island, will undergo a period of self-isolation and have access to specialist medical services.
Passengers Begin Isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital
The group, along with twenty other British nationals, a German resident of the UK, and a Japanese passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship, are completing a three-day assessment at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral. Following this, they will continue a 42-day isolation period, with tailored support provided for home isolation where it is deemed safe.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that none of the relocated individuals are currently showing symptoms of hantavirus. The measure is intended to support communities in the UK overseas territories by providing access to England’s NHS high-consequence infectious disease network.
International Response and WHO Commendation
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), commended Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for allowing the ship to dock in Tenerife. He emphasised that it would have been “inhumane” to keep passengers on board, some of whom were experiencing mental breakdowns.
Globally, 11 hantavirus cases have been reported among cruise ship passengers, with 9 confirmed and 2 probable. The outbreak has resulted in three deaths. Ongoing monitoring is in place for potential new cases due to the virus's long incubation period.
