New cases of Hantavirus are expected after the last passengers left the stricken MV Hondius cruise ship, according to the World Health Organisation. There are now 11 suspected cases, with seven confirmed and four others under investigation. However, health officials stress that this is not a repeat of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Outbreak Details
The WHO has confirmed that the virus, spread by rats, has been linked to the MV Hondius. Three passengers have died: a Dutch couple aged 70 and 69, and a German national. Two of these deaths have been confirmed as Hantavirus-related. The WHO's director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated: "At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak, but of course the situation could change, and given the long incubation period of the virus, it's possible we might see more cases in the coming weeks."
Current Cases
Among the infected is a 69-year-old British passenger hospitalised in Johannesburg, South Africa, who is "clinically improving but still ill." Another Briton, Martin Anstee, 56, is receiving treatment in the Netherlands. A third British national, who disembarked at Tristan da Cunha where they reside, is also being treated. Other cases include a Dutch crew member, a German passenger, and a French woman isolating in Paris, whose health is deteriorating. Additionally, an American and a Spaniard who quarantined in Madrid after evacuation have provisionally tested positive. A second American on a repatriation flight showed mild symptoms and travelled in biocontainment units. A case in Germany has also been reported.
British Passengers in Isolation
Twenty-two British passengers are currently isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, housed in self-contained flats within the hospital grounds. Local MP Matthew Patrick reassured the community: "Arrowe Park Hospital has an accommodation block, fenced off and separate to the hospital, that is ideal for isolating. If any passenger develops symptoms whilst at Arrowe Park Hospital, they will immediately be transferred to a specialist facility in Liverpool. Medical experts advised using Arrowe Park Hospital due to its accommodation that is ideal for isolating and its closeness to specialist facilities in Liverpool. Whilst the risk to the general public is very low, it's my number one priority to make sure local people are kept safe whilst this triage is carried out. There is no anticipated impact on NHS Trust services at Arrowe Park. I would like to end by paying tribute to all the NHS staff who are supporting this important national effort."
Ship's Status
The MV Hondius arrived in the Netherlands on Tuesday morning after the final six passengers disembarked, including one Briton, four Australians, and one New Zealander. The ship is now back in the Netherlands. In total, 38 Filipino crew members require eventual repatriation to the Philippines.
The WHO confirmed that nine of the 11 cases are the Andes virus strain. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist reported that a woman isolating in Paris has 22 traced contacts. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
