A man from the UK who was rescued from a cruise ship affected by the hantavirus outbreak has spoken up about his situation on Wednesday. Martin Anstee, a crew member evacuated from the MV Hondius, shared with Sky News that he is currently in good condition but uncertain about the duration of his hospital stay.
The 56-year-old expressed, “I’m feeling alright. Still undergoing numerous tests. I have no estimate on my hospital stay yet. I am currently in isolation.” Anstee, serving as an expedition guide on the Dutch vessel, was airlifted today along with two other individuals.
Additionally, two passengers who independently returned to the UK from the same cruise have been advised to self-isolate by the UK Health Security Agency. The agency reassured that the risk to the public remains low. The World Health Organization reported an increase in confirmed hantavirus cases to five, including two evacuees.
Previously, there were three confirmed cases and five suspected cases, resulting in three fatalities. The total number of cases remains at eight, as lab tests confirmed the presence of the hantavirus in previously suspected cases. Spanish health minister Monica Garcia confirmed that all passengers onboard the MV Hondius are asymptomatic.
The ship is scheduled to sail to the Canary Islands where passengers will undergo health screenings before repatriation if deemed healthy. Spanish health authorities anticipate the ship’s arrival within the next 72 to 96 hours. Passengers will be disembarked in a controlled manner for direct transfer to the airport and return to their home countries to prevent exposure to the general population.
