Nine UK citizens linked to the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship have returned to Britain and are being monitored by health officials after possible exposure. The group, from St Helena and Ascension Island, arrived in the UK on Sunday evening and were transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, according to Sky News. Officials said none of the passengers are currently showing symptoms.
Monitoring and Isolation
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the individuals will remain under close observation while completing a self-isolation period in Britain. The latest arrivals come amid growing international concern over the outbreak linked to the Dutch expedition cruise ship, which departed Argentina on a polar voyage in April.
Deaths and Quarantine
Three people — a Dutch couple and a German national — have died following the outbreak, while several passengers and crew members across Europe and North America remain in quarantine or isolation. Health officials said hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents, although rare cases of person-to-person transmission have been reported.
UK Response
The UKHSA said it is continuing to work with the foreign office and overseas territories authorities to coordinate monitoring and repatriation efforts. Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at the UKHSA, said authorities were ensuring “safe repatriation” procedures and support measures for those potentially exposed to the virus.
The agency also confirmed that one person previously isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital had been allowed to complete their quarantine at home following a clinical assessment, while several others had already been discharged to continue self-isolation.
Medic Transferred to London
Meanwhile, a medic from Ascension Island who developed symptoms was transferred to the high consequence infectious diseases unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London for specialist assessment.
International Developments
Canadian health authorities also confirmed that one passenger who returned home from the cruise ship tested positive for hantavirus, while another close contact tested negative. Dutch authorities are expected to quarantine the remaining crew and medical staff after the MV Hondius arrives in Rotterdam.
