May 14, 2026 - 142 views
Public health officials are continuing to monitor a small number of Welsh residents linked to the international hantavirus outbreak connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship, with authorities stressing that the risk to the public remains “very low”.
Public Health Wales said it is working closely with the Welsh Government, the UK Health Security Agency, health boards and local authorities as part of the ongoing response to the outbreak.
Officials confirmed the Welsh residents involved are all currently well and showing no symptoms of hantavirus. Those affected are undergoing daily assessments and regular precautionary testing during a 45-day self-isolation period.
A spokesperson said robust arrangements are in place should anyone begin displaying symptoms, ensuring they receive urgent medical attention if needed.
Health officials also moved to reassure the public that hantavirus is not spread through ordinary day-to-day contact such as attending work, school, shops or public places.
In the rare cases where person-to-person transmission has occurred, authorities said it involved “close and prolonged contact” with someone infected.
There are currently no confirmed cases of hantavirus in Wales.
A spokesperson added: “Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.”
The latest update from the UKHSA revealed six individuals who had been isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral since Sunday evening are now returning home or to alternative accommodation to continue their isolation.
Public health and clinical teams assessed each case individually before allowing the move following further negative PCR test results.
Authorities said tailored support packages are being put in place to help people safely isolate at home, while onward travel arrangements are being managed with “appropriate public health protections” throughout the journey.
All contacts remaining at Arrowe Park are asymptomatic and all tests for hantavirus have so far returned negative.
Specialist teams across the UK will continue daily monitoring and support throughout the isolation period, while additional contacts may also be relocated in coming days to continue isolating in more suitable settings.
Meanwhile, medical teams monitoring contacts on Ascension Island and St Helena confirmed one individual, a medic on Ascension Island, had developed symptoms. Samples taken to the UK on May 8 tested negative for hantavirus, with further investigations underway to determine whether the illness is unrelated.
Professor Robin May praised those involved in the response effort.
He said: “Our teams are working closely with FCDO colleagues and leaders on Ascension Island to repatriate British nationals who are currently isolating on the island.
“Once again I must commend those who have cooperated so selflessly with the isolation arrangements at Arrowe Park, and we are pleased that they will now begin to return home to isolate after a very unsettling period for all involved.
“Together this has been an incredible demonstration of international efforts to contain the outbreak.”
Officials are continuing contact tracing, testing and monitoring operations, while urging the public and media to respect the privacy of passengers, contacts and their families during what has been described as a distressing time for everyone involved.
