A deadly outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship may have been caused by a Dutch couple contracting the illness during a birdwatching outing in Ushuaia, Argentina, health officials fear. Two Argentine officials investigating the origins of the outbreak on the MV Hondius, which sailed from southern Argentina, said this is now the government's leading hypothesis. The couple visited a landfill site during the birdwatching tour, where they may have been exposed to rodents carrying the infection. Authorities previously said that Ushuaia and the surrounding province of Tierra del Fuego had never recorded a case of hantavirus.
Eight Suspected Cases Linked to the Vessel
The World Health Organisation reported that eight suspected cases of hantavirus have now been linked to the boat, with five of the cases confirmed. The cruise ship operator stated that the planned destination for the ship remains the Canary Islands, despite its leader, Fernando Clavijo, blocking the vessel from docking in Tenerife.
UK Passengers Asked to Self-Isolate
Two individuals who have returned to the UK from the hantavirus-stricken ship have been asked to self-isolate. In an update issued on Wednesday evening, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the risk to the general public remains very low, adding that neither of the two individuals who have been asked to self-isolate had reported symptoms. The organisation stated: 'They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate. UKHSA are supporting a small number of individuals identified as close contacts of those on the boat. They are being offered support and are also self-isolating. None are reporting any symptoms. The risk to the general public remains very low.'
British Patient Evacuated
One British patient who was medically evacuated from MV Hondius on Wednesday said he does not know how long he will remain in hospital. Martin Anstee, a 56-year-old expedition guide on the cruise ship who contracted a suspected hantavirus infection, was one of three people medically evacuated from the ship. The other two were from the Netherlands and Germany. 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.' He said his doctors will have a clearer picture the day after tomorrow. Asked about his symptoms, he added: 'I can't say any more at the moment.'
Ship Departs for Canary Islands
Spanish health minister Monica Garcia said yesterday that everyone remaining on the cruise ship MV Hondius was asymptomatic. The ship has now departed for the Canary Islands with almost 150 people on board. Passengers will disembark there.
