Ten more people to be flown to UK for hantavirus monitoring after cruise

Ten people from the UK Overseas Territories of Saint Helena and Ascension Island who were either on board or contacts of passengers from the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius will be brought to the UK for self-isolation. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said they were being moved to the UK as a "precautionary measure" and that none of them were showing symptoms. Meanwhile, clinical assessments and testing of passengers who were on board the MV Hondius are "well under way" at a Merseyside hospital, health officials said. The passengers are more than 24 hours into a 72-hour isolation period at Arrowe Park Hospital. They include 20 British nationals, a German national who is a UK resident and a Japanese passenger. Once discharged, they will be asked to self-isolate for up to 45 days. On Monday, Prof Robin May, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, said the evacuees were "healthy and asymptomatic". In a later update on Monday evening, he added: "We want to reassure both passengers and the wider public that robust arrangements are in place, and that everyone involved will be looked after every step of the way." The 10 people from Saint Helena and Ascension Island are being moved because the N

May 12, 2026 → May 26, 2026