Health officials suspect that the deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship may have originated from a Dutch couple who contracted the illness during a bird-watching outing in Ushuaia, Argentina. The couple visited a landfill site on the tour, where they could have been exposed to rodents carrying the infection, authorities said.
Outbreak Investigation
Two Argentine officials investigating the source of the outbreak on the MV Hondius, which sailed from southern Argentina, stated that this is now the government's leading hypothesis. Previously, authorities noted that Ushuaia and the surrounding province of Tierra del Fuego had never recorded a hantavirus case.
The World Health Organisation reported eight suspected cases of hantavirus linked to the boat, with five confirmed. The cruise ship operator confirmed the planned destination remains the Canary Islands, despite Tenerife's leader Fernando Clavijo blocking the vessel from docking there.
UK Response
Two individuals who returned to the UK from the ship have been asked to self-isolate. In an update on Wednesday evening, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that "the risk to the general public remains very low" and that neither individual reported symptoms. UKHSA added: "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."
Patient Evacuations
Martin Anstee, a British 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. The 56-year-old told Sky News: "I'm doing okay. 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 doctors will have a clearer picture the next day. Spanish health minister Monica Garcia confirmed yesterday that everyone remaining on the MV Hondius was asymptomatic.
The ship has now departed for the Canary Islands with nearly 150 people on board, where passengers will disembark.
