Brits on virus-hit cruise ship to isolate at hospital

British passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship involved in a significant hantavirus outbreak are set to be transferred to a UK hospital for isolation measures.

Arrowe Park Hospital, located on the Wirral in Merseyside, previously served as a quarantine location at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The MV Hondius is anticipated to dock in the Canary Islands this weekend, after which the 22 British nationals remaining on board will be repatriated via a charter flight shortly thereafter.

To date, five cases of hantavirus have been confirmed, including one among the three passengers who lost their lives during the cruise on the Dutch ship.

Two British men confirmed to have the virus are currently undergoing treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa, while another Briton is receiving care for a suspected case on the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, a port of call for the vessel in mid-April.

A collaborative statement from NHS England North West, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, and Wirral Council has been released.

The statement indicated, "In accordance with guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, upon arrival, individuals will be taken to a managed facility for clinical evaluation and testing.

"We anticipate that this initial stay will last up to 72 hours.

"Subsequently, public health officials will determine whether they can isolate at home or require alternate arrangements, based on their housing situations.

"The overall risk to the public remains very low.

"Our partnering organizations are united in ensuring that all returning passengers are received warmly, comfortably, and with adequate support throughout their stay.

"We extend our gratitude to our staff and collaborators across the NHS, emergency services, and local governance for their professionalism and commitment in orchestrating this response, and we will maintain close cooperation with the UK Health Security Agency and other stakeholders as we proceed."

According to the World Health Organization, there are currently no symptomatic passengers on the vessel.