A healthcare worker displaying symptoms consistent with hantavirus from a remote British overseas territory is undergoing treatment at a London hospital, while nine people connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak are set to arrive in the UK.
Healthcare Worker Transferred to London
The medical professional, who developed symptoms on Ascension Island, was flown to the High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) unit at Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust on Saturday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) described this as a highly precautionary measure, noting the lack of specialist infectious diseases facilities on the island. Further testing and assessment will be conducted at the unit.
Nine Asymptomatic Individuals Arriving
Nine British nationals from St Helena and Ascension Island, who may have been exposed to hantavirus but remain asymptomatic, are expected to arrive in the UK on Sunday evening. They will complete their self-isolation period in the UK, supported by the NHS's HCID network if needed. The group will be taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, which previously housed passengers from the MV Hondius.
UKHSA Response
Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at the UKHSA, stated: "UKHSA will continue to work with our partners locally, nationally and internationally to ensure everyone has the necessary support in place." She added that safe repatriation includes medical checks and support, with the latest flight arriving tonight. Passengers will be monitored closely during their self-isolation.
Discharges and Monitoring
On Saturday, one person was discharged from Arrowe Park Hospital to complete a 45-day isolation period at home after a clinical and public health assessment deemed it safe. Earlier, six people left the hospital to continue self-isolation at home. Those at home and in hospital remain under close monitoring.
Deployment of Rapid Support Team
On Friday evening, the UKHSA announced the deployment of three members of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST) to the South Atlantic overseas territories. The team includes two microbiologists, Clara Milroy and Kimberley Steeds, who will assist with PCR testing for hantavirus and rule out other conditions. Infection prevention specialist Anthony Twyman will support Jamestown General Hospital with preparedness and training. The team will remain for eight weeks.
Outbreak Details
The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has resulted in at least 11 reported cases among passengers, with three fatalities. Public Health Scotland issued an alert on Thursday, warning that a small number of people in Scotland may have been exposed and are being contacted.
