British Passengers from Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Ship Start 45-Day Isolation
British passengers of rat virus-hit cruise ship begin 45-day isolation process
News 18
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British nationals aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, affected by hantavirus, are beginning a 45-day isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside, England. Health authorities confirm that none are symptomatic, and strict monitoring measures are in place to ensure public safety.
- 0120 British nationals and others are undergoing assessment at Arrowe Park Hospital.
- 02None of the passengers are showing symptoms of hantavirus.
- 03The UK Health Security Agency is monitoring their health closely.
- 04Hantavirus is not easily transmitted between humans, reducing pandemic risk.
- 05The outbreak has resulted in three fatalities, but no pandemic risk has been identified.
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All remaining British nationals aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was impacted by the hantavirus outbreak, are undergoing a 45-day isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside, England. This group includes 20 British nationals, a German national residing in the UK, and a Japanese passenger who was repatriated at Japan's request. Health authorities from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that none of the passengers are symptomatic, and they will be closely monitored over the next 72 hours. Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson reassured that the risk to the public remains extremely low due to stringent infection control measures implemented during the cruise. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has limited human-to-human transmission, but has ruled out the risk of a pandemic. The MV Hondius passengers were evacuated from the Canary Islands to Manchester Airport, with the evacuation of all nationalities expected to be completed soon.
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The isolation of passengers aims to prevent any potential spread of hantavirus, ensuring community safety in Merseyside.
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