Kamal Ghorui
Two British nationals are self-isolating at home in the UK after possible exposure to hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius. The pair had travelled on the cruise ship, which departed from Argentina last month, but left the vessel earlier during its journey and currently have no symptoms, according to the UK Health Security Agency.Officials said the two Britons disembarked at Saint Helena between April 22 and 24 before flying back to the UK through Johannesburg. They later contacted health authorities after learning about infections linked to the ship, BBC reportedAround 150 people remain aboard the vessel under strict precautionary measures, cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions said. The company previously confirmed that 19 passengers and four crew members on board were British nationals.Three passengers were medically evacuated from the ship to the Netherlands on Wednesday for treatment. The evacuees were British, Dutch and German nationals, with two reported to be in serious condition and one in stable condition.Several 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 that the British man was receiving treatment in the Netherlands and was “doing well”.“He is going to be under investigation for some time. I’m very pleased he’s now in hospital and receiving the treatment he needs,” May said.Anstee’s wife, Nicola, told The Daily Telegraph the last few days had been difficult for the family.“He’s relieved to be off the ship. He had it quite mild then it got a bit more serious and now he’s stable again,” she said.“The fear with this virus is it can deteriorate very quickly so it’s been a bit up and down for him. I don’t believe he’s in imminent danger now but it was horrible.”Spanish authorities have granted permission for the ship to dock in the Canary Islands despite concerns raised by some local officials.The UKHSA said British passengers who do not show symptoms are expected to return to the UK on a charter flight, likely 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 outbreaks and health emergencies.
