Plans are being made for the safe onward travel of British nationals stranded on a cruise ship linked to a suspected hantavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed. Nineteen British nationals were listed as passengers aboard the MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde, with four British crew members also on board.
Prime Minister's Statement
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his concern for those affected, saying: "My thoughts are with those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius. We are working closely with international partners to support British nationals on board and we're putting plans in place for their safe onward travel. The risk to the wider public remains very low; protecting the British people is our number one priority."
Medical Evacuation Plans
The ship is currently off the coast of Cape Verde, where medical evacuation of a British crew member, a Dutch colleague, and a passenger is expected to take place. Dutch authorities are leading the evacuation efforts. The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed that other passengers have been confined to their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried out.
Tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions described the operation as "complex," adding that it will involve two specialised aircraft equipped with medical equipment and staffed by trained medical crews. However, they noted that the plan is not yet confirmed and is subject to change. The individuals requiring evacuation are said to need urgent medical care due to acute respiratory symptoms.
WHO's Response
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove from the WHO stated: "As of today, seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill; sadly, three have died. One patient is in intensive care in South Africa, although we understand that this patient is improving, while two patients are still on board the ship and are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment." She added that the highest priority is to medically evacuate these two individuals to ensure they receive the care they need.
Dr Van Kerkhove also noted that another suspected case has been reported, but this person is currently doing well and is asymptomatic. At this stage, no additional symptomatic people are on board, but the situation is being closely monitored. As a precaution, passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins.
Ship's Future Movements
Medical teams from Cape Verde are providing support to the ship, but it will eventually move to the Canary Islands, where investigations and a full disinfection will take place. The WHO assesses the risk to the global population as low.
Details of the Outbreak
A Dutch passenger died on board the ship on April 11. On April 27, the wife of that passenger also died, and authorities confirmed a variant of hantavirus. On May 2, a German passenger on board died, though the cause has not yet been confirmed. The British passenger struck down by the virus was medically evacuated on April 27 to Johannesburg and remains in intensive care but is understood to be improving.
Oceanwide Expeditions stated that the atmosphere on board remains calm, with passengers generally composed. They are working to provide clarity and reassurance to guests and expedite their disembarkation and medical screening.
About Hantavirus
Hantavirus infections are usually spread by infected rodents' urine or faeces and can lead to severe respiratory illness, sometimes fatal. While rare, hantavirus can spread between people. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention improves survival chances.
