Oxford News
Hantavirus expert speaks on level of global pandemic risk
Professor Emma Thomson, from the University of Glasgow and head of the MRC Centre for Virus Research, spoke following a cluster of cases linked to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic.
She said: “It is very, very unlikely that something like this will turn into something akin to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Samples are being analysed from passengers who travelled on the MV Hondius, where at least 11 cases and three deaths have been reported.
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Prof Thomson said it would “not be very surprising if we found one or two positive tests in the UK” but emphasised that the risk of wider transmission remains low.
She said cases could be “managed very easily with the existing facilities we have.”
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed it is repatriating 10 Britons connected to the outbreak, believed to be residents of the UK overseas territories of St Helen and Ascension.
They will complete their self-isolation in the UK as a “precautionary measure.”
Prof Thomson explained the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, the only type known to spread between humans.
She said: “It is not nearly as transmissible as viruses such as measles. We don’t expect to see lots of cases of this virus, thankfully, but obviously the public health measures are really critical.”
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She added that although the virus can cause severe illness, it historically results in only small, limited outbreaks, as seen previously in Argentina.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for hantavirus.
Researchers at the MRC Centre are exploring whether existing antiviral drugs could be effective.
Professor Sir Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford, said: “I believe the UKHSA, Foreign Office and NHS are taking all the right and necessary measures to protect the UK citizens involved in this challenging incident and to protect the broader UK population.
“Repatriation and isolation is the right thing to do, morally and scientifically.”
Prof Thomson said the MRC Centre will also investigate potential new therapies for the Andes virus.
She said: “Twenty of the passengers who were on the ship have been kind enough to sign up for research, so we can look into new solutions for this real problem.
“There are many gaps, as you know – there is no vaccine and there is no treatments.”
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The Cottesmore footbridge is used by pedestrians and cyclists to cross the A4142 Eastern Bypass, near the Heyford Hill roundabout.
It is located between Sainsbury’s and Rose Hill, and links Cottesmore Road and Brocklesbury Road on either side of the busy road.
Inspectors at Oxfordshire County Council closed the footbridge due to safety concerns with the structure.
It said its top priority is public safety, which it “will not compromise”.
READ MORE: Former meningitis patient gives advice after death in new outbreak
Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, county council cabinet member for transport management, said: “The decision to close the bridge has not been taken lightly, but it was the only option in the circumstances.”
Engineers from the council and its principal highways contractor M Group will now consider options to determine the best plan of action for the footbridge for the long term.
Matt Woolford, 25, was in his first year at Oxford Brookes University in October 2019 when he tested positive for meningococcal-meningitis and septicaemia.
It was confirmed yesterday (Thursday, May 14) that three meningococcal (meningitis) cases have been discovered in young people in Reading this week.
Mr Woolford, who is from Reading, described the recent outbreak as “more tragic and frankly unnecessary news” as he believes there is enough understanding and preventative measures already in place.
However, he advices pupils to “not worry”.
He added: “There could be heightened anxiety, but I can’t imagine the risk is any higher, in the same way the risk is no higher me driving my car on a day there was an accident earlier nearby.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said one of the three, who was studying at Oxfordshire’s Henley College, has since died.
The two other pupils, who attend Reading Blue Coat School and Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre in Reading, are being treated, according to the UKHSA.
People who have been in close contact are being offered precautionary antibiotics and information on the symptoms.
He said students should stay vigilant of themselves and their friends and to contact the NHS on 111 or online if t worried about symptoms, including vomiting, a headache or confusion.
He said: “Being sick out of the blue is rarely normal without explanation like food poisoning, at least for me.
“111 exists to be called to triage you. What’s the harm in calling or going online to see what the advice says.
“Even if one person finds out they’re more ill than they thought, it’s worth it.”
He welcomed Reading University’s announcement to contact its students but added students should be proactively made more aware of the demographic risk.
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He said: “Meningitis is a lot more prevalent amongst students and deserves more awareness than I think it has.
“I think universities are beginning to do more because of the continued frequency of these events, but I don’t think enough is being done.”
“Most information campaigns feel as though they are reactive to events like this, not proactive in preventing them”, he added.
He advises students to get vaccinated or check with their GP that there are two doses on record.
UKHSA said the risk to the wider public “remains low” and added that one of the cases has been confirmed as Meningitis B, while test results for the other cases have not yet come through.
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