British Tourist Breaks Quarantine in Milan Over Hantavirus Fears

A British tourist in Milan was found in a bar while supposed to be in quarantine for hantavirus. This is after he flew from Saint Helena.
By Newsroom | Health, Italy |

Italian health officials apprehended a British man in Milan, finding him socializing in a bar while he was supposed to be in quarantine over hantavirus fears. The individual, described as being in his 60s, had shared a flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg with a Dutch passenger, Mirjam Schilperoord, who later died after contracting the virus.

A Possible British Hantavirus Carrier Broke Quarantine and Was Detained When He Was Found Bar Hopping in Italy - 1

The British tourist and his travelling companion were taken to Milan's Sacco Hospital. This action comes amidst a growing concern over hantavirus cases linked to an Antarctic cruise outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. While the virus typically spreads from rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people, the Andes virus strain has been noted for rare human-to-human transmission.

A Possible British Hantavirus Carrier Broke Quarantine and Was Detained When He Was Found Bar Hopping in Italy - 2

Circumstances of Apprehension

Authorities reportedly intercepted the British holidaymaker outside a bar in Milan on Tuesday night. His companion, who had not been on the flight in question, was also detained. The detention occurred despite reports indicating the British tourist had tested negative for hantavirus. Officials are enforcing strict isolation measures in response to the developing situation.

Read More: Australia quarantines 6 passengers from hantavirus cruise ship

A Possible British Hantavirus Carrier Broke Quarantine and Was Detained When He Was Found Bar Hopping in Italy - 3

Wider Hantavirus Context

The outbreak originated from the MV Hondius cruise ship. Several individuals have died, including Mirjam Schilperoord and another passenger who passed away on the ship. A French woman connected to the outbreak is reportedly in critical condition and on an artificial lung. The World Health Organisation has stated there are no signs of a pandemic.

A Possible British Hantavirus Carrier Broke Quarantine and Was Detained When He Was Found Bar Hopping in Italy - 4

Connections and Travel History

The British man's flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg on April 24th is the crucial link. Mirjam Schilperoord, along with her husband, are considered potential 'patient zero' cases, having fallen ill after visiting a landfill site in Argentina. Spain has reported a provisional positive case, and another British national is isolating on Tristan da Cunha due to the virus. Officials are working to contain the spread of the potentially deadly rodent-borne disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was a British tourist detained in Milan on Tuesday night?
The British tourist was detained because he broke quarantine rules for hantavirus. He was found socializing in a bar in Milan while he should have been isolated.
Q: What is the reason for the hantavirus quarantine?
The quarantine is due to concerns over hantavirus after the man flew from Saint Helena to Johannesburg. A passenger on a flight he was on later died from the virus.
Q: Where was the British tourist taken after being detained?
The British tourist and his travelling companion were taken to Milan's Sacco Hospital for further checks and isolation.
Q: What is the wider context of the hantavirus scare?
The scare is linked to an Antarctic cruise outbreak and rare cases of human-to-human transmission of the Andes virus strain, though it usually spreads from rodents.