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Hantavirus Ship Evacuees Isolated in UK Hospital
12 May
Summary
- Passengers evacuated from hantavirus-hit ship are in isolation.
- Three people have died following the cruise ship outbreak.
- Evacuees face a 72-hour hospital isolation, then self-isolate for 45 days.
Passengers evacuated from the hantavirus-affected cruise ship MV Hondius are now in isolation at a Merseyside hospital. The group, comprising individuals from various nationalities including British citizens, began a 72-hour quarantine on Sunday. This measure follows an outbreak on the ship that has resulted in three fatalities, two of whom were confirmed to have the virus.
Health officials have stated that the evacuees are currently healthy and asymptomatic. After their initial hospital isolation period, which is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, passengers will be advised to self-isolate for up to 45 days. This extended period is a precaution due to the virus's potential incubation time, as noted by the World Health Organization.
The operator confirmed that all guests remaining on board when the outbreak was identified have been repatriated. The ship itself is en route to the Netherlands with remaining crew members and medical staff. Global health authorities are monitoring the situation, acknowledging the psychological toll on passengers who endured a prolonged and frightening experience at sea.
