Starmer said: “My thoughts are with those affected by the Hantavirus outbreak on board the MV Hondius. We are working closely with international partners to support British nationals on board the ship and are making plans for their safe travel.”
He added that the risk to the wider public remains “very low” and stressed that “protecting the British people is our number one priority.”
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Are we preparing for the worst? How does the Hanta virus kill passengers on an Atlantic cruise ship? He explained
This statement comes after at least three people died and several others became seriously ill on board the luxury expedition ship, sparking an international health response that included the Dutch, South African and other authorities.According to reports, the outbreak emerged on board the MV Hondius during a voyage from Argentina towards Cape Verde, where the World Health Organization has confirmed at least one positive case of Hantavirus, and several suspected infections remain under investigation.The first victim, a 70-year-old Dutch passenger, reportedly became severely ill during the voyage and died after the ship entered waters near St. Helena Island.
His 69-year-old wife later died in a Johannesburg hospital after being medically evacuated.A third death has also been linked to the outbreak, while a 69-year-old British passenger remains in intensive care in Johannesburg. Two crew members are also receiving urgent medical care as monitoring continues on board.An American travel blogger on board the ship described growing fear and uncertainty among passengers. “It feels very real and very uncertain right now,” the blogger said, adding that travelers were experiencing isolation and delays in medical evacuations as the situation at sea developed.Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal rodent-borne disease that is usually transmitted through contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments.It can cause severe respiratory complications, with early symptoms resembling those of the flu before quickly worsening in serious cases.The MV Hondius, carrying approximately 150 passengers and crew, is currently anchored off Cape Verde after authorities refused to allow it to dock due to public health concerns.
