Remaining British passengers and crew aboard MV Hondius will be heading back to the UK on Sunday
Two British nationals confirmed to have hantavirus have been hospitalised, while a third suspected to have the virus has left the cruise ship MV Hondius affected the deadly virus.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed the three cases this week and has now confirmed that the two Brits determined to have hantavirus have been hospitalised, one in South Africa and another in the Netherlands. The third British national case left the ship on Tristan da Cunha where they live and are being monitored by health services on the island.
British nationals including passengers and staff remain aboard MV Hondius headed for the UK.
None of the British nationals on board are currently reporting symptoms, but they are being closely monitored, the UKHSA has said.
The hantavirus cruise ship outbreak has been traced back to a birdwatcher who visited an infamous landfill site.
UK government staff are preparing to support the British nationals when it docks in Tenerife on Sunday, May 10. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
British passengers and crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK government staff to an airport and a chartered flight will fly them back to the UK.
Passengers, crew and medical teams on the flight will wear personal protective equipment such as face masks as they travel back to the UK and as they transfer to Arrowe Park Hospital, on the Wirral.
The UKHSA has assured that “risk to the public in the UK will remain very low.”
While at Arrowe Park and within 72 hours, public health specialists will assess the passengers and decided whether they can isolate at home or if they will need to isolate at another suitable location.
All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days upon returning to the UK.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: “We continue to work at pace with our international partners to ensure the safe repatriation of British nationals from the MV Hondius.
“The safety and well-being of those on board remains our number one priority.
“Established infection control measures will be in place at every step of the journey, and passengers will receive full support throughout, including during their period of isolation.
“We recognise that this has been an incredibly difficult and unsettling time for those affected and their loved ones at home.
“As they prepare for their journey back to the UK, we ask the media to respect the privacy of passengers and their families during what remains a challenging time.”
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