Hantavirus Outbreak: UK to Isolate Cruise Ship Passengers in Ex-Covid Hospital
Health officials in the UK are gearing up to welcome approximately 24 British passengers and crew members, along with two individuals from Ireland, from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a virus outbreak. This vessel, managed by a Dutch firm, is expected to dock near Spain's Canary Islands on Sunday. The majority of the nearly 150 individuals aboard will be evacuated and flown back home. Currently, none are exhibiting symptoms of hantavirus. Once they arrive in the UK, they will be taken to Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, England, a facility previously utilized for Covid-19 patients, for clinical evaluation and testing, as recommended by the UK Health Security Agency. The repatriation process is being meticulously organized.
Key facts
- UK health authorities are preparing to receive about 24 British passengers and crew from the MV Hondius.
- Two people from Ireland are also on board.
- The ship is due to anchor off Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday.
- Most of the nearly 150 people on board will be evacuated and flown home.
- None are currently showing symptoms of hantavirus.
- Passengers will be isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, England.
- Arrowe Park Hospital was previously used for Covid-19 patients.
- The UK Health Security Agency advised the clinical assessment and testing.
Entities
Institutions
- NHS England North West
- NHS Cheshire
- UK Health Security Agency
- Arrowe Park Hospital
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Canary Islands
- Wirral
- England