UKHSA Reveals New Details on Hantavirus Outbreak

The hantavirus outbreak has seen the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirm that all individuals at Arrowe Park have now departed. Passengers from the MV Hondius who returned to the UK have completed their self-isolation periods. Professor Robin May, the Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, expressed gratitude, stating, "We would like to reiterate our thanks and gratitude to passengers, crew, and other contacts for their cooperation throughout what has been a very challenging time for everyone affected. Our teams will continue to work closely with local authorities and the NHS to ensure everyone impacted by this outbreak has the necessary support in place." UKHSA is actively collaborating with partners and international agencies to address the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Recent laboratory tests confirmed a positive hantavirus case on Tristan de Cunha, previously flagged as probable by WHO; the individual is now recovering at home. Following updated evidence and WHO guidance, the self-isolation period for contacts of confirmed Andes hantavirus cases in the UK has been reduced from 45 to 42 days. Throughout the outbreak response, UKHSA has ensured the safe repatriation and clinical assessment of affected individuals. This includes the medical evacuation of British nationals from overseas hospitals to specialist High Consequence Infectious Disease units in the UK as necessary. To bolster local testing capacities and enhance infection prevention and control efforts, UKHSA deployed a rapid response mobile laboratory to St Helena. The agency has also maintained close cooperation with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), NHS, UK Overseas Territories, and international partners, including Japan, which provided the antiviral medication favipiravir (FAVI) to support the UK's preparedness and response to the hantavirus outbreak. Passengers and contacts underwent rigorous monitoring, clinical testing, and tailored support during their isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital and at home, adhering to stringent infection control protocols. The general public's risk from hantavirus remains very low, with UKHSA continuing contact tracing, public health monitoring, and community support. The UK Government and UKHSA stress the importance of respecting the privacy of those impacted during this difficult time, expressing thanks to everyone involved for their cooperative efforts. For more information about hantavirus, its transmission, symptoms, and the ongoing outbreak response, detailed updates can be found through UKHSA communications and blogs. For additional resources on infectious diseases, visit the UK Government's health page [here](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england) and the World Health Organization [here](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus). For further insights and updates, check www.globemigrant.com/hantavirus-outbreak and www.globemigrant.com/health-updates.

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