Seven British nationals have left the MV Hondius cruise ship amid a deadly hantavirus outbreak, according to operator Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde, has seen three deaths and eight suspected cases since April 11, with three confirmed as hantavirus by the World Health Organization.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that two Britons who left the ship at Saint Helena in late April are self-isolating at home and not reporting symptoms. A British crew member was medically evacuated to the Netherlands for specialist care, while the Foreign Office is arranging a charter flight to repatriate remaining Britons from Tenerife.
Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA deputy director, said the risk to the public remains very low. The agency is setting up support and isolation measures for returning Britons, who may be asked to self-isolate for 45 days. Contact tracing is underway to limit onward transmission.
The outbreak has been linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina. Spain's health minister confirmed no passengers onboard are symptomatic, and 14 Spaniards will quarantine in Madrid. A British man is in critical condition in South Africa, and a KLM flight attendant is being tested in Amsterdam.
