Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak: Two Britons self-isolate on MV Hondius amid exposure scare

Two British citizens may have been exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius and are currently self-isolating at home in the UK. The couple had been on a cruise ship that departed Argentina last month but left the ship earlier in the trip and are currently asymptomatic, according to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive.Officials said the two Britons disembarked at St. Helena between April 22 and 24 before flying back to the UK via Johannesburg. They later contacted health authorities after learning of infections linked to the ship, the BBC reportedThe cruise operator said around 150 people were on board under strict precautionary measures Oceanwide Expedition said. The company previously confirmed that all 19 passengers and four crew members on board were British nationals.On Wednesday, three passengers were evacuated from the ship and taken to the Netherlands for treatment. The evacuees include British, Dutch and German citizens, with two reported to be in serious condition and one in stable condition.Multiple media outlets identified the British passenger as Martin Anstee, a 56-year-old former police officer.UKHSA chief scientific adviser Professor Robin May told BBC Breakfast the British man was being treated in the Netherlands and was “doing well”.“He will be under investigation for some time. I’m pleased he is now hospitalized and getting the treatment he needs,” May said.Anstey’s wife Nicola told The Daily Telegraph the past few days had been difficult for the family.“He was relieved when he got off the boat. His condition was mild, then it became more severe and now he’s stable again,” she said.“The concern with this virus is that it can get worse quickly, so it’s been a bit up and down for him. I don’t believe he’s in imminent danger right now, but it’s horrific. “Spanish authorities have given the ship permission to dock in the Canary Islands, despite concerns raised by some local officials.UKHSA said British passengers who are not showing symptoms are expected to return to the UK on a chartered flight, possibly from the Canary Islands.Health officials added that passengers may need to self-isolate or quarantine for up to six weeks, depending on how long they may have been exposed to the virus.The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) is the UK government agency responsible for protecting public health and monitoring infectious diseases, including outbreaks and health emergencies.