A third British national has been diagnosed with suspected hantavirus linked to an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. The patient remains on the south Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, where the case was reported.
The UKHSA had already confirmed two cases among British nationals, who are being treated in hospitals in the Netherlands and South Africa. The outbreak, which has killed three people, has prompted international concern, with the World Health Organization warning that more cases could emerge. However, officials believe the outbreak will remain limited if precautions are taken.
The Hondius is currently travelling to Tenerife, where it is expected to dock on Sunday. None of the British citizens still onboard are reporting symptoms, but they are being closely monitored. A total of 29 people left the ship when it docked in St Helena on 24 April, including a Dutch woman who later died.
The UKHSA said UK government staff will be on the ground in Tenerife to support British nationals disembarking. Passengers and crew without symptoms will be escorted to an airport and given free passage back to the UK, with a dedicated repatriation flight being organised under strict infection control measures. Public health specialists will be onboard to monitor passengers.
All British passengers and crew from the ship are being asked to isolate for 45 days after returning to the UK, with close monitoring by health officials. The UKHSA said follow-up is already under way for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in UK overseas territories.
