Two British nationals who left the MV Hondius before a hantavirus outbreak was detected are already self-isolating at home, officials have confirmed. Neither is reporting symptoms, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
British passengers still on board the cruise ship will be asked to self-isolate in the UK for 45 days upon return, a health official suggested. A charter flight is being arranged for remaining Britons who are not displaying symptoms, once the ship docks in Tenerife in the coming days.
Three people on the MV Hondius have died since 11 April, with eight suspected cases and three confirmed as hantavirus by lab testing, according to the World Health Organization. A British crew member was medically evacuated to the Netherlands for specialist care.
Dr Meera Chand, deputy director for epidemic and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: “It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low.” She added that arrangements are in place to support, isolate and monitor returning British nationals.
Nineteen British nationals were among 150 passengers on the cruise, which sailed from Argentina to Cape Verde, with four British crew members. The outbreak has been linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina joined by two passengers before boarding.
About 40 passengers disembarked on Saint Helena after the first death, including seven Britons. Spanish health officials said none of the remaining passengers show symptoms, and 14 Spaniards will quarantine in a Madrid hospital.
