Welsh Residents Linked to Hantavirus Outbreak
A "small number of Welsh residents" have been connected to the hantavirus outbreak, according to Public Health Wales.
The agency stated that those affected were either aboard the ship or had contact with individuals who were, but they were "not showing symptoms" and were "well." Currently, there are no confirmed hantavirus cases in Wales, and the risk to the general public remains very low.
Public Health Wales is collaborating with the Welsh Government, the UK Health Security Agency, Welsh health boards, and local authorities to "take appropriate action."
A rare strain of hantavirus emerged on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius during its voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde. Three people died during the journey, and six individuals were evacuated to the UK.
In an official statement, Public Health Wales confirmed it is "supporting a small number of Welsh residents linked with the hantavirus outbreak" who will undergo "regular precautionary testing" and receive a "daily assessment for the duration of their self-isolation."
"While hantavirus is a serious infection, it is not spread through everyday social contact, such as going to public spaces, shops, workplaces, or schools."
"In the rare instances where a person has caught the infection from another person, they have had close and prolonged contact with the individual who has been infected with hantavirus."
On Wednesday, six people evacuated to the UK were able to return home or to suitable accommodation to complete a 45-day isolation period. They had previously isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, for 72 hours and tested negative for the virus.
The head of the UN health agency has previously stated there is "no sign" of a larger hantavirus outbreak.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents. It can be found in some regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
While most hantaviruses do not transmit from person to person, rare cases of human transmission have been documented with the Andes virus strain.
How does hantavirus spread?
Since hantaviruses are carried by rodents, human infections typically occur in environments where people and rodents coexist.
People usually become infected by inhaling air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Transmission between people occurs only through close contact.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus?
In some cases, individuals develop severe breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and kidney failure, which may require hospital care.
How is hantavirus treated?
Currently, there is no widely available vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections. Treatment is supportive and symptom-based, including hospital care and respiratory support.
