A third British national has been diagnosed with suspected hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak, health officials have said. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the case on the south Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, where the patient remains.
The outbreak on the MV Hondius has killed three people, and the World Health Organization has warned more cases could emerge. The UKHSA had already confirmed two cases among British nationals, who are in hospitals in the Netherlands and South Africa.
None of the British citizens still onboard the ship, which is travelling to Tenerife, are reporting symptoms, but they are being closely monitored. A total of 29 people left the Hondius when it docked in St Helena on 24 April, including a Dutch woman who died.
The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday. UK government staff will be on hand to support British nationals disembarking, with a dedicated repatriation flight being organised. All British passengers and crew are asked to isolate for 45 days after returning to the UK.
