22 Hantavirus Patients Set for Discharge from Hospital Observation
May 13, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
Twenty-two individuals, who were evacuated from a Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship and placed in medical isolation at a Liverpool hospital, are expected to be discharged shortly.
The passengers and crew members from the MV Hondius have been under observation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for 72 hours. They are now preparing to transition to a further 42-day self-isolation period at their respective homes. The group consists of 20 British nationals, one German, and one Japanese citizen.
In a related precautionary measure, 10 additional passengers from British overseas territories in the South Atlantic are currently being repatriated to the United Kingdom. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that these transfers ensure that medical teams in England are ready to provide immediate care should any symptoms develop.
Health officials confirmed that those currently hospitalized remain in good health and have shown no symptoms of the virus. Medical experts are presently conducting assessments to ensure that their home environments are suitable for continued isolation.
To date, the outbreak has claimed three lives: a Dutch couple and a German woman. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked, “While there are currently no signs of a large-scale epidemic, we will maintain rigorous containment efforts as more cases could potentially emerge.”
The MV Hondius departed from Argentina on April 1st with approximately 150 passengers and crew from 28 different nations. Authorities confirmed that all remaining passengers have now been repatriated to their home countries. The vessel is currently en route to the Netherlands with 25 crew members, two medical experts, and the remains of the deceased German passenger on board.
