British nationals returning from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak will be asked to self-isolate for 45 days, a health official has said. Two Britons who left the MV Hondius before the outbreak was detected are already self-isolating at home.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said neither of the two passengers who disembarked at Saint Helena in late April are reporting symptoms. A British crew member was medically evacuated to the Netherlands for specialist care, and the Foreign Office is arranging a charter flight for remaining Britons once the ship docks in Tenerife.
Three people on the MV Hondius have died since 11 April, with eight suspected cases and three confirmed as hantavirus by lab testing, according to the World Health Organization. The outbreak has been linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina joined by two passengers before boarding.
Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at UKHSA, said the risk to the general public remains very low. She added that arrangements are being made to support, isolate and monitor British nationals on their return, and contact tracing is underway.
Of the 150 passengers, 19 were British nationals, along with four British crew members. None of those still onboard are reporting symptoms, but they are being closely monitored. Spain's health minister said the 14 Spanish passengers would be flown to a hospital in Madrid to quarantine.
Professor Robin May, UKHSA chief scientific officer, said the two Britons who left the ship early have agreed to self-isolate, and the same process will apply to others, likely at home for 45 days. He noted hantaviruses are widespread but only occasionally transmitted to humans.
