Key Summary
- Two British nationals are self-isolating in the UK, after hantavirus attack on cruise ship.
- They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate.
- Officials assure that risk to the general public remains very low.
Two UK residents are isolating at home following possible hantavirus exposure on the MV Hondius cruise ship, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
They remain symptom-free and are getting guidance from the UKHSA, which has recommended self-isolation. Officials emphasise that the broader public faces minimal risk.
Support from UKHSA continues as they follow isolation protocols.
Three passengers - one a British citizen - with suspected hantavirus cases were airlifted to the Netherlands for treatment, in a joint effort by Cape Verde, UK, and Dutch authorities.
Other UK passengers may now return home once the vessel reaches its next port, provided no symptoms emerge.
Dr Meera Chand, deputy director for Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius.”
“We are standing up arrangements to support, isolate and monitor British nationals from the ship on their return to the UK and we are contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or the hantavirus cases to limit the risk of onward transmission,” she added.
UKHSA is partnering with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Home Office, and Border Force to identify others on shared flights with confirmed cases. This enables risk evaluations and targeted safeguards.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating the global effort, directing the ship and providing advice to curb disease transmission.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “The outbreak of Hantavirus is very serious and deeply stressful for those affected and their families.”
She assured that the UKHSA is working with the WHO.
“The Foreign Office is working urgently to support the UKHSA’s work overseas and to make sure British nationals on the MV Hondius can all get safely home with proper protection for public health,” she added.
