Irish people on hantavirus-hit cruise ship to quarantine in Ireland, says dept

The Department of Health has said plans are being developed to manage the care of two Irish nationals onboard the cruise ship hit by the hantavirus outbreak on their return to Ireland.

The department also said that this is dependent on their medical status.

The MV Hondius, with almost 150 people on board including two Irish people, is expected to dock in Spain's Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, within three days, Spain's health minister said. Those still on board are said to not be presenting any symptoms of the disease.

At a minimum, the Department of Health said it is expected that the two Irish nationals will need to quarantine for a period of time, in line with European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidance, and will be actively monitored during this time.

It said decisions with regard to where they will quarantine will be on a case-by-case basis and that if they become symptomatic they will be assessed and treated as appropriate.

The department said it is monitoring developments with EU colleagues and is working closely with the HSE and with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The department added that public health protocols will need to be followed once the ship has docked with regard to certification and assessment of health of passengers including further testing, possibly.

It said the National Incidence Management Team of the National Health Protection Office (NHPO) has been stood up to coordinate the public health response to ensure optimal patient care and safety for those affected by this hantavirus outbreak, and to protect broader public health.

The NHPO is preparing for the appropriate follow-up and care as needed by the two Irish nationals on board the MV Hondius.

For the two Irish nationals on board, decisions regarding repatriation will be taken depending on their medical status, following public health guidance.

In a statement, the Department of Health said: "The situation with regard to the MV Hondius is an evolving situation which is being monitored closely by the Department of Health and the National Health Protection Office (NHPO) in the Health Service Executive (HSE) working with international partners including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)."

Here, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is providing consular assistance to the Irish citizens aboard the MV Hondius.

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