A hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise vessel MV Hondius has triggered an international public health alert after cases were confirmed across 13 countries on four continents, with three deaths reported and British nationals among those infected.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that two British citizens have tested positive for the virus, while a further suspected case involving a British national on Tristan da Cunha is under investigation.
The suspected patient remains on the remote South Atlantic island, while the two confirmed British cases are being treated in hospitals in the Netherlands and South Africa.
The outbreak is believed to have originated during a voyage from South America, with passengers falling ill after travelling through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay before boarding the vessel. The World Health Organisation (World Health Organization) confirmed the first infections earlier this month after a Dutch couple who had been aboard the ship became seriously ill, one of whom later died.
Health authorities across multiple countries — including South Africa, Singapore and the Netherlands — are now tracing passengers who travelled on the ship as concerns grow over the scale of the spread.
When the MV Hondius arrived at St Helena on April 24, 29 passengers disembarked, including seven British nationals. Officials later confirmed that cases of infection were identified among passengers continuing onward travel.
The UKHSA said no British passengers currently still aboard the vessel are showing symptoms, but all remain under observation as the ship continues its voyage.
A government statement confirmed that British nationals disembarking at Tenerife will be met by UK officials and assisted with onward travel arrangements, including repatriation flights where necessary.
“British passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK,” the agency said.
All returning British passengers and crew will be required to undergo a 45-day isolation period under health monitoring, reflecting the long incubation risks associated with the virus.
Officials said follow-up contact tracing is already under way for individuals who may have been exposed and have since returned to the UK or overseas territories.
In total, 19 British nationals and four crew members were aboard the vessel during its voyage, with several now either in isolation or under medical supervision across multiple jurisdictions.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or urine, or by inhaling contaminated particles. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, according to global health authorities.
Dr Abdirahman Mahamud, WHO director of alert and response, said the outbreak was expected to remain contained if coordinated public health measures were implemented.
“We believe this will be a limited outbreak if the public health measures are implemented and solidarity is shown across all countries,” he said.
Despite reassurances, the multi-country spread and the involvement of a cruise vessel have heightened concern among health officials, who warn that the scale of international travel exposure is complicating containment efforts.
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