A healthcare worker who displayed symptoms of hantavirus on Ascension Island has been transferred to a specialist unit at Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust in London. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) described the move as a 'highly precautionary measure' due to the lack of a specialist infectious diseases unit on the island.
The medic was flown to the UK on Saturday for a 'specialist assessment' after showing symptoms consistent with hantavirus. The UKHSA confirmed that the individual will undergo further testing and care at the High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) unit.
Meanwhile, nine Britons from St Helena and Ascension Island who may have been exposed to hantavirus but are asymptomatic are expected to arrive in the UK on Sunday evening. They will complete their self-isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, which previously accommodated passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship.
Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at the UKHSA, said: 'UKHSA will continue to work with our partners locally, nationally and internationally to ensure everyone has the necessary support in place. We are undertaking safe repatriation of those affected by the outbreak where appropriate.'
The outbreak on the MV Hondius has resulted in at least 11 reported cases among passengers, with three fatalities. Public Health Scotland has also warned that a small number of people in Scotland may have been exposed to the virus.
On Saturday, one individual was discharged from Arrowe Park Hospital to complete their 45-day isolation period at home. A further six individuals had returned home on Thursday. Those isolating at home and those still in hospital remain under close monitoring.
