A Canadian man who survived hantavirus has described the illness as 'hell on earth', with symptoms similar to Covid-19. Lorne Warburton, 2023 patient, spent three weeks in hospital on life support, suffering from fatigue, body aches, and breathing difficulties.
His account comes as three British nationals have been confirmed with hantavirus following an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed another case on Tristan da Cunha, with two more suspected cases in hospital and two passengers self-isolating in the UK.
Seven Britons were among 29 passengers who left the ship in St Helena on April 24, after a Dutch woman died from the virus. UKHSA officials are arranging a repatriation flight for asymptomatic British passengers and crew, with medical staff on board to monitor health.
Experts say the incubation period can be up to six weeks, but the World Health Organization does not expect an epidemic. Professor Sir Peter Horby of Oxford University noted that while limited person-to-person transmission is possible, public health measures can stop the outbreak.
