British hantavirus patient evacuated from cruise ship outbreak returns to UK for continued care

A British national confirmed with hantavirus has been medically evacuated from the Netherlands back to the UK and is undergoing stringent infection control measures. The case is linked to an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has recorded at least 11 passenger cases and 3 deaths. The individual was previously identified by WHO on 7 May. Six additional patients have been discharged from Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral to continue home isolation, with close monitoring ongoing. UK Health Security Agency officials emphasize the low risk to the general public and confirm coordination with Dutch authorities and international partners. The ship is undergoing cleaning in Rotterdam before returning to port in Vlissingen.