Passengers and crew members from the MV Hondius, a British cruise ship, are set to undergo hantavirus testing before their return to the UK following an onboard outbreak. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Tenerife this weekend, with 22 Britons expected to fly back on a charter flight thereafter. Five hantavirus cases have been confirmed during the cruise, with one case linked to the deaths of three passengers.
British individuals infected with the virus are currently receiving treatment in the Netherlands, South Africa, and Tristan da Cunha. UK officials are coordinating plans to repatriate British nationals upon the ship’s arrival, with Spanish health authorities expected to conduct testing on passengers and crew members. Those displaying symptoms will be hospitalized, while asymptomatic individuals will be flown back to Britain promptly.
Although no other Britons onboard are showing symptoms, they will be required to self-isolate and undergo regular testing for 45 days upon returning to the UK. This isolation will be voluntary, and medical professionals will be on hand to facilitate blood tests.
Among those evacuated for treatment were a 56-year-old expedition guide and a 69-year-old passenger, both British nationals. Two other Britons are voluntarily isolating in the UK after possible exposure to the virus. Additional medical support is being provided to individuals who disembarked on St Helena, where the first hantavirus case was identified after their departure.
Health authorities in various countries are conducting contact tracing for passengers who left the ship before the outbreak was detected. The World Health Organization has labeled the outbreak a “serious incident” but has deemed the overall risk to the public as low, emphasizing that it is not comparable to the Covid-19 pandemic.
