Response to Hantavirus Cases on MV Hondius
Authorities in several countries have responded following the emergence of hantavirus cases aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Irish Sea in April.
Public Health Wales (PHW) has reported that a "small number of Welsh residents linked to the hantavirus cases" are currently self-isolating and receiving support.
Three individuals have died from the infection, with additional cases requiring treatment after the condition was identified on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius in April.
PHW states that all individuals from Wales are "healthy" and asymptomatic, but "robust arrangements are in place" should any symptoms develop.
The health authority also emphasizes that the risk to the public is "very low" and that no confirmed cases of the virus have been identified in Wales to date.
Transmission Requires Prolonged Contact
In their statement, PHW said:
"Individuals will undergo regular precautionary testing and daily public health assessments throughout their self-isolation period.
While hantavirus is a serious infection, it is not spread through everyday social contact such as visiting public places, shops, workplaces, or schools.
In the rare instances where someone has contracted the infection from another person, they have had close and prolonged contact with the infected individual."
The statement continued:
"All Welsh residents are currently healthy and show no symptoms.
If any of them develop hantavirus symptoms, robust arrangements are in place to ensure they receive urgent medical attention.
At present, there are no known hantavirus cases in Wales, and the risk to the public remains very low."
PHW added that they are "working with the Welsh Government, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), health boards in Wales, and local authorities to respond to the cases and take appropriate measures."
What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses encompass several viruses carried by rodents.
They have appeared in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, but most of these viruses do not transmit from person to person.
In rare cases, people can contract the virus by inhaling air contaminated with particles of rodent urine, feces, or saliva.
Prolonged contact is necessary before a person can transmit the virus to another individual.
The Andes hantavirus strain was recorded among people aboard the MV Hondius.
Symptoms include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle or stomach pain, chills, and diarrhea.
In some cases, individuals develop severe breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, or kidney failure, requiring hospital care.
Stay Connected
Follow Cymru Fyw on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok.
Send story ideas to cymrufyw@bbc.co.uk or contact via WhatsApp at 07709850033.
for the latest Wales updates on your mobile device.
