Another British citizen has been identified as having contracted hantavirus on Tristan da Cunha, a secluded island with a population of approximately 250 residents.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed that two British nationals were already diagnosed with hantavirus, and there is now a suspected third case involving a British individual on Tristan da Cunha. Seven British passengers disembarked from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was at the center of the rat virus outbreak, on the neighboring island of St Helena on April 24. It is believed that this newly identified British case was not part of the initial seven passengers.
The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that the first case of the virus was confirmed on May 4.
The luxury cruise, originating from Argentina, made several stops including Tristan da Cunha on April 13.
Tragically, three individuals on the MV Hondius liner, including an elderly Dutch couple and a German woman, have succumbed to the virus. The initial fatality, a 70-year-old Dutch man, passed away on April 11, and his body was disembarked in St Helena on April 24.
Following these events, a total of 29 passengers left the cruise ship, including the seven Britons. The Dutch man’s wife, aged 69, deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, and died upon arrival at an emergency department on April 26.
Additionally, a German woman passed away while a British passenger was evacuated to South Africa and is currently in critical condition.
Tristan da Cunha, situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, is a remote island with a small population, limited facilities, and no airport. The island is isolated, being over 2,400km away from the nearest inhabited island of St Helena and approximately 2,800km from South Africa.
Hantavirus is transmitted from rodents to humans through contact with infected rodents, their droppings, saliva, or urine. The current outbreak has been linked to a birdwatching excursion in Argentina that two passengers participated in prior to boarding the ship.
Tristan da Cunha is also home to invasive black rats that pose a threat to the island’s bird population. As a result, the island holds a “ratting day” tradition where locals collaborate to eliminate these rats.
British nationals are still aboard the MV Hondius, which is currently at sea. Following the outbreak and fatalities, the cruise attempted to dock in Cape Verde but was denied entry and is now en route to Tenerife, Spain.
The UKHSA confirmed that none of the British passengers on the ship are exhibiting symptoms at present but are under close observation. The ship is scheduled to dock on Sunday, with evacuations set to commence on Monday.
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