Hantavirus Outbreak and UK Response
A medic who developed symptoms of hantavirus is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in London. This comes as nine individuals connected to a cruise ship affected by the virus are set to arrive in the UK. The medic was admitted to the High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust on Saturday after experiencing symptoms while on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the group of nine Britons from St Helena and Ascension Island, who may have been exposed to hantavirus but are not showing symptoms, are scheduled to arrive in the UK on Sunday evening. These individuals are linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has become the center of an international health concern following a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths.
Upon their arrival, the group will self-isolate in the UK and be taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral. This facility previously housed passengers from the MV Hondius. The medic was brought to the UK for a ‘specialist assessment’ after developing hantavirus symptoms, as the UKHSA described it as a ‘highly precautionary measure.’
Because there is no specialist infectious diseases unit on Ascension Island, the UKHSA arranged for the medic to be transported to the UK to ensure they receive the ‘best possible support’ if their condition worsens. The agency stated that the individual will undergo further testing and assessment at the unit.
Dr Meera Chand, the agency’s deputy director, emphasized the ongoing efforts of the UKHSA to work with partners locally, nationally, and internationally. She said, ‘We are undertaking safe repatriation of those affected by the outbreak where appropriate, incorporating medical checks and support, with the latest flight arriving tonight. We are committed to keeping these passengers and the wider population safe and will remain in close contact with them as they complete their self-isolation period.’
On Saturday, one person left Arrowe Park Hospital to continue their 45-day isolation period at home after a clinical and public health assessment deemed it safe. A further six people returned home from the hospital to continue their self-isolation on Thursday last week.
In response to the situation, three members of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team have been sent to St Helena following a request from the island’s government. Two microbiologists will assist with PCR testing for hantavirus and tests to exclude other illnesses, according to the UKHSA. An infection prevention and control expert has also been dispatched to Jamestown General Hospital to help prepare and respond to any potential cases. The trio will spend eight weeks on the island.
At least 11 hantavirus cases have been reported on the MV Hondius, with three fatalities. Public Health Scotland has warned that some Scots may have had contact with the virus and is working to reach out to ‘a small number of individuals’ who could be affected.
