Two British citizens are self-isolating at their home in the UK after possible exposure to the Hantavirus on board the MV Hondius. The couple had traveled on the cruise ship, which left Argentina last month, but had left the ship earlier during its journey and were not currently showing any symptoms, according to the UK’s Health Security Agency.Officials said the Britons disembarked in St Helena between April 22 and 24 before returning to the UK via Johannesburg. The BBC reported that they later contacted health authorities after learning of infections linked to the ship.Cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions said about 150 people remained on board the ship under strict precautionary measures. The company previously confirmed that 19 passengers and four crew members on board were British citizens.Three passengers were medically evacuated from the ship to the Netherlands on Wednesday to receive treatment. The evacuees were British, Dutch and German citizens, two of whom were reported to be in serious condition and one in stable condition.Several media outlets identified the British passenger as Martin Anstey, a 56-year-old former police officer.The UKHSA’s chief scientific adviser, Professor Robin May, told the BBC that the British man had been receiving treatment in the Netherlands and was “doing well”.
“He will be investigated for some time,” May said. “I am very happy that he is now in hospital and receiving the treatment he needs.”Anstey’s wife, Nicola, told the Daily Telegraph that the past few days had been difficult for the family.She said: “He is relieved to be off the ship. His condition was very mild and then became more serious, and now his condition is stable again.”“The fear with this virus is that it can deteriorate very quickly, so it has been a bit volatile for him.
“I don’t think he’s in imminent danger now but it was horrific.”The Spanish authorities granted the ship permission to dock in the Canary Islands despite concerns raised by some local officials.The UKHSA said asymptomatic British passengers are expected to return to the UK on a charter flight, potentially departing from the Canary Islands.Health officials added that passengers may need to self-isolate or remain in quarantine for up to six weeks depending on the timing of their potential exposure to the virus.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is the UK government body responsible for protecting public health and monitoring infectious diseases, including disease outbreaks and health emergencies.
