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Mystery Virus on Ship: UK Citizens Face 45-Day Isolation
9 May
Summary
- Thirty Britons aboard ship, 22 remain on vessel as cases emerge.
- Three deaths linked to outbreak; survivors face strict 45-day isolation.
- UK health teams deployed to Tenerife to manage passenger disembarkation.
A hantavirus outbreak linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina has resulted in three fatalities, with nine confirmed or suspected cases emerging from a cruise ship. Among those affected are 30 British nationals, 22 of whom remain on board the vessel as it journeys to Tenerife. Seven Britons disembarked earlier in St Helena, and one man with suspected hantavirus left the ship at Tristan da Cunha.
Upon arrival in Tenerife, British passengers and crew will be met by a joint Foreign Office and UKHSA team. Those not showing symptoms will be escorted to an airport for free passage back to the UK. Upon returning, they must self-isolate for 45 days and undergo self-testing, with further tests after the isolation period concludes. Public transport will be prohibited for these individuals to prevent potential spread.
Two British men, one aged 69 and another 56, are receiving intensive care and specialist medical treatment respectively, with both showing signs of improvement. The World Health Organisation reports improved morale on board, with medical experts assessing all passengers and crew. Experts believe the Andes virus, the variant implicated, has an incubation period of up to six weeks, suggesting potential for further cases.
