Third Briton has suspected hantavirus after cruise outbreak, says UK health agency

LONDON, May 8 — A third British national has been diagnosed with suspected hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak, health officials said today.

The “additional suspected case of a British national” was on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

Two other British nationals remain in hospital in the Netherlands and South Africa following the outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.

“None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms, but they are being closely monitored,” the agency said.

The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday, and government officials will be on the ground to help British nationals disembarking.

The Foreign Office is chartering “a dedicated repatriation flight” for British ship passengers and crew only.

“This flight will be free of charge,” the agency added.

The British passengers will have to isolate for 45 days once they return to the UK, and will be closely monitored and tested by the agency. — AFP