A healthcare worker from Ascension Island exhibiting symptoms consistent with hantavirus has been admitted to a specialized infectious diseases unit in London, as nine more British nationals potentially exposed to the virus are set to arrive in the UK for monitoring.
The nine individuals, all from St Helena and Ascension Island and linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, remain asymptomatic but will begin self-isolation upon arrival this Sunday evening, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The healthcare worker was airlifted to the High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust on Saturday for a specialist assessment. UKHSA described the transfer as a “highly precautionary measure,” necessary due to the lack of specialist infectious disease facilities on Ascension Island.
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“The decision to bring the individual to the UK ensures they can access the best possible care at an HCID unit should their condition worsen,” stated UKHSA. The individual is undergoing further testing and evaluation in London.
The group arriving on Sunday will complete their self-isolation within the UK, with NHS support available should any develop symptoms. They are scheduled to isolate at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, the same facility that treated MV Hondius passengers previously affected by the outbreak.
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, confirmed, “We continue to collaborate with local, national, and international partners to provide necessary support. Safe repatriation processes, medical checks, and ongoing monitoring are in place to protect both the individuals and the broader public.”
Recent updates reveal that some patients have been discharged from hospital to continue their 45-day isolation at home under close supervision. On Saturday, one person was released after thorough clinical and public health assessment, and six others were discharged the previous Thursday.
In response to the outbreak, a UK Public Health Rapid Support Team consisting of two microbiologists and an infection control specialist was deployed to the South Atlantic territories. The team will assist with PCR testing, help rule out other illnesses, and strengthen infection control at Jamestown General Hospital. They are expected to remain on Ascension Island for eight weeks.
The ongoing MV Hondius outbreak has resulted in at least 11 hantavirus cases among passengers, including three fatalities. Public Health Scotland has issued alerts for possible exposures within Scotland and is actively reaching out to potentially affected individuals.
UKHSA remains vigilant, continuing to monitor those in hospital and self-isolation to manage the situation effectively and minimize risk to the public.