Twenty British nationals, one German national who is a UK resident, and one Japanese passenger from the MV Hondius are now under observation at Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, after being repatriated to the UK.

They will undergo clinical assessments and testing during a 72-hour monitoring period.

Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “We are pleased to confirm that all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK and are being supported by UKHSA and NHS medical experts at Arrowe Park, who have worked at pace to prepare for the safe arrival of passengers at the facility.

“Staff at Arrowe Park have once again demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in responding rapidly to a health emergency, and we are very grateful.

“Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers.

“The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority.

“The risk remains very low for members of the general public.”

None of the passengers are currently displaying symptoms, and they are being monitored as a precaution.

Public health minister Sharon Hodgson said: “I want to thank all those who have worked to bring our British nationals home and the NHS workers now caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital – their dedication and professionalism show our NHS at its very best.

“None of the passengers are symptomatic but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period.

“With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.”

Passengers will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days, with ongoing support and daily contact from UKHSA health protection teams.

Regular testing and care will be provided throughout the isolation period.

The UK government facilitated the repatriation of the Japanese passenger at the request of Japanese authorities.

UKHSA has coordinated with public health teams in devolved administrations and UK overseas territories to identify and trace anyone who may have had high-risk exposure.

UKHSA will remain in close contact with these individuals for 45 days from the potential exposure.

What is hantavirus? 

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents such as mice and rats, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and is transmitted by their droppings and urine.

This virus can cause a range of diseases from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness.

“There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections,” the health experts added.

“Treatment is supportive and based on symptoms, such as hospital care and respiratory support.”

How do you catch hantavirus?

As rodents carry hantaviruses, human infection tends to occur in places where people and rodents coexist.

The UKHSA continued: “This is most commonly in rural, agricultural settings.

“The viruses can also sometimes be found in cleaning sheds, barns and holiday homes where rodents might have nested.”

People usually contract hantavirus by breathing in air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

It can also spread through cuts, eyes, or rodent bites.

The Government agency added: “Most hantaviruses do not spread between humans, although person-to-person transmission has happened with the Andes virus strain in rare cases.”

The hantavirus currently affecting the Dutch cruise has been confirmed as the Andes strain by the WHO.

Swiss authorities have confirmed a case of #hantavirus identified in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship.

He had responded to an email from the ship’s operator informing the passengers of the health event, and presented himself to a hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and… pic.twitter.com/4mmBd7qSA4

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 6, 2026

Hantavirus symptoms

Symptoms of hantavirus infection can include:

• Fever
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Shortness of breath

The UK Health Security Agency said: “In some cases, people develop severe breathing difficulties requiring hospital care.

“Symptoms usually appear between 1 to 4 weeks after being exposed to the virus, but there are reports of symptoms occurring up to 8 weeks after exposure.”

Nathan Wilkins is wanted in connection with a ‘rape’ in Banbury that happened on March 29 this year.

The 35-year-old is described as a white man, 5ft 7ins tall, with brown hair, an unshaven beard and a slim build.

He is known to frequent shops in Banbury and the Kings Sutton area.

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Investigating officer detective constable Matthew Leney said: “We are appealing for the public’s help in tracing Nathan Wilkins.

“If you see him, please do not approach him, instead call 999.

“However, if you have information as to his whereabouts then please call 101 or make an online report, quoting reference 43260137796.

“Or if you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, who will take your information 100% anonymously.”

Southerndown Care Home in Chipping Norton hosted a special police surgery with PCSO Wesley Smith and Lisa Lavington.

The visit focused on local crime challenges and scams.

Subra, general manager of Southerndown Care Home, said: “We know that crime is a concern for us all and scammers particular as they often target the elderly because they can be more trusting.

“We wanted to use the session to make sure our residents as well as friends from within the community were better informed and to know that support is always here at Southerndown Care Home as well as with the local police.”

The session educated attendees on the various ways scams can be disguised, including in-person approaches, phone calls, post, emails, and social media.

Residents, families, and friends took part in the conversation, with some sharing personal experiences and the recovery strategies they found effective.

Southerndown care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.

It provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care from respite care to long term stays.

The home regularly holds events and activities for its residents, relatives and surrounding neighbours.