Two British nationals who left the MV Hondius before the hantavirus outbreak was detected are already self-isolating at home, said officials. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed neither is reporting symptoms, but they have agreed to isolate for an extended period.
Prof Robin May, the UKHSA’s chief scientific officer, suggested returning Britons would be asked to self-isolate for 45 days, most likely at home. The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife in the coming days, and a charter flight is being arranged by the Foreign Office to repatriate remaining British nationals who are not displaying symptoms.
Three people on the MV Hondius have died since 11 April, with eight suspected cases of hantavirus, three confirmed by laboratory testing, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The rare rodent-borne virus has been linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina joined by two passengers before boarding.
A British crew member, Martin Anstee, was medically evacuated and flown to the Netherlands for specialist care. Speaking from hospital, he said he was “doing OK”. The UKHSA is contact-tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or cases to limit onward transmission.
Dr Meera Chand, the UKHSA’s deputy director for epidemic and emerging infections, stressed that the risk to the general public remains very low. She said arrangements were being made to support, isolate and monitor British nationals on their return.
Meanwhile, a British man in South Africa is in critical condition with the virus and receiving private care in Johannesburg. A KLM flight attendant showing mild symptoms is being tested for the virus in Amsterdam. Of the 150 passengers, 19 were British nationals, with four British crew members.
