UKHSA update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published an update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak.  

All remaining British nationals from the MV Hondius have been safely transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital with strict infection control measures in place throughout the journey. During the 72-hour period at Arrowe Park, public health specialists from UKHSA and infectious diseases specialists from the NHS will assess their current condition and determine where the passengers can suitably isolate. 

Passengers will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days upon their return, with regular testing and care provided by NHS and UKHSA.  

UKHSA advice for frontline clinicians 

While the risk to the UK public remains extremely low, the UKHSA advises clinicians to be alert to the possibility of Andes hantavirus infection or other severe respiratory illness) in patients with compatible signs and symptoms and a potential exposure to a confirmed or suspected case or other epidemiological risk factors. 

Management of symptomatic contacts, including for infection prevention and control, should follow established airborne HCID protocols as per the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual, and the addendum on HCID PPE.

Further information on Hantavirus can be found in the recent blog from UKHSA.