Two Britons Self-Isolate After Hantavirus Cruise Exposure

Two British passengers are self-isolating after being on a cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak. This is a precautionary measure as they are not sick.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

Two British individuals who disembarked the MV Hondius cruise ship, the site of a hantavirus outbreak, are currently self-isolating in the United Kingdom. These passengers returned independently to the UK and are not exhibiting symptoms at this time. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it has been in contact with both individuals after they left the vessel following its initial leg. Authorities are engaged in tracing their contacts from their journey home to conduct risk assessments and implement necessary precautionary measures. The overall risk to the general public is described as "very low."

Cruise Ship Outbreak Triggers Public Health Scrutiny

The situation involves an outbreak of hantavirus, a potentially fatal viral illness often associated with rodents. At least 23 passengers from the MV Hondius have reportedly returned to their home countries after being exposed to the virus. Reports suggest one passenger may have already fallen ill after disembarking. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked eight suspected hantavirus cases to the vessel, with five now confirmed.

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Chronology of Concerns and Evacuations

  • Three individuals were medically evacuated from the ship on Wednesday, being transferred to the Netherlands for treatment. Their conditions were reported as two serious and one stable.

  • Concerns about the handling of the outbreak have been raised, with allegations that the WHO did not begin contacting departing passengers until three days after the first case was reported on April 6th.

  • Investigators are reportedly exploring the possibility that a Dutch couple who visited a landfill site during a bird-watching trip in Argentina may have been the origin of the outbreak, potentially encountering infected rodents.

Official Response and Repatriation Plans

The UK government has stated it is "taking this incredibly seriously" and is working to support the British nationals involved. The UKHSA indicated that remaining British nationals on board the MV Hondius, currently anchored off Cape Verde, may be repatriated via charter flight once the ship reaches its next destination, provided they remain symptom-free. Spain's health minister had initially claimed to be the ship's doctor, but this has since been understood to be incorrect. Discussions are underway with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Home Office, and Border Force to coordinate efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are two Britons self-isolating after returning from the MV Hondius cruise ship?
Two British passengers from the MV Hondius, where a hantavirus outbreak occurred, are self-isolating in the UK as a precaution. They are not showing symptoms but were on the ship during the outbreak.
Q: What is hantavirus and how is it spread?
Hantavirus is a serious illness spread by rodents. It can cause severe breathing problems. The risk to the public is considered very low.
Q: What is the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) doing?
The UKHSA is in contact with the two self-isolating Britons and is tracing their contacts from their journey home. They are assessing the risk and taking necessary steps.
Q: What happened on the MV Hondius cruise ship?
There was a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, with eight suspected cases linked to the ship. Some passengers were medically evacuated, and investigations into the origin are ongoing.
Q: Will other British nationals on the ship return to the UK?
British nationals still on the MV Hondius may be repatriated by charter flight if they remain symptom-free when the ship reaches its next stop. Discussions are happening to arrange this.