The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that ten British nationals from remote South Atlantic islands are being brought to the United Kingdom as a precautionary measure following a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship. The individuals, believed to be residents of the British overseas territories of St Helena and Ascension Island, will complete their self-isolation in the UK to ensure access to appropriate medical care if needed.
Precautionary Relocation
According to UKHSA, the group includes passengers who disembarked from the cruise ship in St Helena, as well as medical staff who had contact with them. The agency stated that the relocation is a precautionary step to support communities in the overseas territories, as England's NHS high consequence infectious disease network is well-equipped to respond if they become unwell. Currently, none of the contacts are symptomatic.
Previous Quarantine at Arrowe Park
This development comes as 20 British nationals from the MV Hondius, along with a German UK resident and a Japanese passenger, prepare to leave Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside after a three-day isolation and assessment period. They were taken there on Sunday evening after the ship docked in Tenerife. These individuals will now isolate for a further 42 days, with tailored support packages provided where possible to enable home isolation. Health protection teams across the UK will monitor them daily.
A small number of individuals who have been isolating at home elsewhere in England will also be assessed at Arrowe Park. Previously, two Britons who returned early from the ship have been isolating at home and contacted officials after learning of the outbreak. They have not developed symptoms but will continue isolation at Arrowe Park.
Official Statements
Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, expressed gratitude to passengers for their cooperation and patience during what he described as a very unsettling period. He emphasised that the priority is to ensure everyone is safe and well supported, and urged the media and public to respect the privacy of those affected.
The Ascension Island Government confirmed that a small number of individuals on St Helena who travelled on the vessel have been assessed as higher risk. While the likelihood of illness remains low, UKHSA advised pre-emptive relocation to the UK for self-isolation.
Current Cases
One British man with hantavirus is being cared for in Johannesburg and is reportedly improving, while another is in the Netherlands. A third British national with hantavirus is isolating on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha.
WHO Comments
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, stated on Tuesday that some passengers on the cruise ship were facing mental breakdown. He praised Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for allowing the ship to dock in Tenerife, calling it a humane decision that respected the human rights of passengers and crew. He noted that there is no sign of a larger outbreak, but given the long incubation period, more cases may emerge in coming weeks.
So far, 11 hantavirus cases have been reported among cruise passengers, including three deaths. Nine cases are confirmed, with two probable. In a video message, the ship's captain thanked passengers for their patience and kindness throughout the challenging period.
Elsewhere, a French woman who tested positive for hantavirus is in intensive care in Paris in stable condition. One of 18 evacuated passengers flown to the US has also tested positive but is asymptomatic, while another had mild symptoms. Spain's health ministry reported one Spanish national quarantining in Madrid has provisionally tested positive.
