Plans are underway in the United Kingdom to receive and isolate passengers from a virus-hit cruise ship following a hantavirus outbreak, with reports indicating they will be taken to Arrowe Park Hospital in northwest England, previously used for Covid-19 evacuations from Wuhan and the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that six cases have been confirmed out of eight suspected infections, adding that there are currently no suspected cases remaining on board.
The MV Hondius is travelling from Cape Verde, where three infected passengers had earlier been evacuated for treatment.
On Saturday, NHS officials said that about 24 British nationals, along with two Irish citizens, are expected to be repatriated from the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, which is due to anchor off Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday.
Most of the nearly 150 people on board are being evacuated and flown back to their home countries as part of a coordinated international response after weeks at sea.
Health authorities said none of the UK-bound passengers are currently showing symptoms of hantavirus. “In line with advice from the UK Health Security Agency, on arrival they will be taken to a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing”, NHS England North West and NHS Cheshire said.
A joint statement involving Wirral Council and local emergency services confirmed the group will undergo an initial 72-hour isolation period, after which further arrangements will be determined.
The outbreak on the MV Hondius has so far been linked to multiple infections, with three deaths recorded, including a Dutch couple and a German woman.
Several others have fallen ill with the rare virus, which is typically transmitted from rodents.
