Two passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been linked to a hantavirus outbreak, are self-isolating in the United Kingdom after returning from the vessel, health officials confirmed. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that neither individual is currently exhibiting symptoms of the virus. Additionally, a number of close contacts of those on board the ship are being offered support and are also self-isolating as a precautionary measure.
Contact Tracing and Repatriation Efforts
The UKHSA is actively tracing individuals who may have shared a flight with a confirmed case of hantavirus. The agency is also preparing for the arrival of British nationals from the Dutch-flagged ship once it docks in Tenerife. Health officials stated that remaining British nationals can be repatriated if they do not develop symptoms. The UKHSA emphasised that none of the British citizens on board are currently reporting symptoms, but they are being closely monitored.
In a statement, the UKHSA said it is working with the Foreign Office and Border Force to trace further individuals who may have been on the same flight as a confirmed case. This is to carry out public health risk assessments and ensure appropriate precautionary measures are in place. The agency is also in contact with medical teams providing care for Britons abroad.
Risk to General Public Remains Low
The UKHSA stressed that the risk to the general public remains very low. Dr. Meera Chand, deputy director for epidemic and emerging infections at UKHSA, expressed sympathy for those affected by the outbreak and reassured the public of the low risk. She stated: "Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius. It's important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low. We are standing up arrangements to support, isolate and monitor British nationals from the ship on their return to the UK and we are contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or the hantavirus cases to limit the risk of onward transmission. UKHSA will continue to work closely with government partners to offer all necessary support."
Background of the Outbreak
The outbreak has been linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina that two passengers undertook before boarding the ship. The MV Hondius was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde with 19 British nationals listed as passengers and four British crew members. Two Britons, a passenger and a crew member, are among those taken ill in the suspected outbreak, which has been linked to three deaths.
British crew member Martin Anstee, 56, a former police officer and expedition guide, was evacuated from the ship and flown to the Netherlands for specialist medical care. Speaking from hospital, Mr. Anstee told Sky News: "I'm doing OK. I'm not feeling too bad. There are still lots of tests to be done. I have no idea how long I'll be in the hospital for. I'm in isolation at the moment." His wife Nicola described the experience as "a very traumatic few days" and noted that her husband's condition had fluctuated but he was now stable.
Government Response and Ship's Journey
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the Foreign Office is working urgently to help get Britons safely home with proper protection for public health. Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: "The outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius will be worrying many. The Government are taking this incredibly seriously and are working urgently to support the British nationals involved. We are working across DHSC, UKHSA and the FCDO to ensure all those affected get home safely."
The ship, which has been anchored off Cape Verde, is now heading to the Canary Islands after Spanish authorities granted permission to dock. However, a row emerged after the president of the Canary Islands expressed concern over the ship docking in Tenerife. Spanish health authorities said the ship is expected to arrive within 72 to 96 hours. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) considers everyone on board as close contacts due to the closed setting and shared social areas.
The Argentine government hypothesised that a Dutch couple contracted the virus during a birdwatching outing in Ushuaia, where they may have been exposed to rodents carrying the infection at a landfill. Passengers remain confined to their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried out. The World Health Organisation reported eight cases, three of which are confirmed.
