A British man who was evacuated from the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship has broken his silence, sharing an update on his health after being exposed to the virus.
Martin Anstee, 56, who worked as an expedition guide on the Dutch-flagged vessel, told Sky News on Wednesday that he is "doing okay" but does not know how long he will remain in hospital. "I'm not feeling too bad. There are still lots of tests to be done," he said. "I have no idea how long I'll be in the hospital for. I'm in isolation at the moment."
Mr Anstee was evacuated by medical flight along with two other individuals. Two other people who returned independently to the UK from the cruise ship have also been advised to self-isolate, according to the UK Health Security Agency, which emphasised that "the risk to the general public remains very low."
The World Health Organisation has confirmed that the number of laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases has risen to five, including the two passengers evacuated on Wednesday. Previously, there were three confirmed cases and five suspected, with three fatalities. The overall number of cases remains at eight, as lab tests have confirmed the virus in previously suspected cases.
Spanish health minister Monica Garcia has confirmed that all passengers currently on the MV Hondius are asymptomatic. The ship will continue to the Canary Islands, where passengers will be screened for signs of infection before being repatriated if deemed healthy.
Spanish health authorities posted an update stating that the ship is expected to arrive within 72 to 96 hours. Officials said passengers will be disembarked in a "controlled" manner, with "direct transfer from the port to the airport and subsequent return to their countries of origin, avoiding at all times transit through spaces open to the general population."
