Shipboard Virus Reaches UK: Two Britons Ill on MV Hondius

At least two Britons are among those ill on the MV Hondius cruise ship due to a suspected hantavirus outbreak. This is a serious concern as the ship heads to the Canary Islands.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

The MV Hondius cruise ship, site of a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has claimed three lives, is en route to the Canary Islands, with at least two Britons among the afflicted passengers and crew. The vessel, currently in Cape Verde, has seen multiple evacuations and is expected to dock in Tenerife, where remaining passengers will be disembarked and repatriated or quarantined, depending on their health status.

Confirmed Cases and Suspected Transmission

Authorities have confirmed cases of hantavirus, including a strain known for rare human-to-human transmission. A Dutch woman, whose husband also died, tested positive for the virus. Investigations are also looking into a link between the outbreak and a birdwatching trip to a landfill site in South America taken by a Dutch couple before boarding. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not ruled out person-to-person spread between very close contacts on board.

Read More: Hundreds of doctors in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala fired for being absent

Britons Among the Ill

Two Britons are reportedly self-isolating in the UK after being on the MV Hondius. One is a passenger, while another is a crew member who fell ill and was medically evacuated. Initially reported as a doctor, the British passenger's specific role is unclear. A separate report mentions a British man who fell ill and was evacuated to South Africa, where his samples later tested positive for hantavirus.

The Vessel's Journey and Destination

The MV Hondius departed from Argentina roughly a month ago. After passengers began falling ill, the ship was initially blocked from docking in Cape Verde. Medical teams provided support, and the ship has now been cleared to proceed to the Canary Islands. Spanish officials have outlined plans for passenger evacuation upon arrival in Tenerife, with Spanish nationals potentially facing quarantine and others repatriated if asymptomatic.

Read More: CDC Scraps Ship Sanitation Program, Illnesses Rise

Hantavirus: An Overview

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses primarily carried by rodents. While most strains are spread through infected rodent droppings, aerosols, or bites, the Andes strain is known for its rare human-to-human transmission. Incubation periods can range from one to eight weeks. There is no specific vaccine or treatment for hantavirus, though supportive care is crucial. The global incidence of hantavirus is relatively low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened on the MV Hondius cruise ship?
A suspected hantavirus outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, leading to three deaths and affecting passengers and crew. The ship is now heading to the Canary Islands.
Q: Are any Britons affected by the shipboard virus?
Yes, at least two Britons are ill. One is a passenger and another is a crew member who was medically evacuated. Both are now self-isolating in the UK.
Q: Where is the MV Hondius going next?
The MV Hondius is en route to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Passengers will be disembarked there, with plans for quarantine or repatriation based on their health.
Q: How is hantavirus spread?
Hantaviruses are usually spread by rodents. However, the Andes strain, suspected in this outbreak, can rarely spread between people through close contact.
Q: What are the plans for passengers arriving in the Canary Islands?
Spanish officials plan to disembark passengers in Tenerife. Spanish nationals may be quarantined, while asymptomatic individuals might be repatriated.