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Hantavirus Spreads: Third Brit Infected on Remote Island
9 May
Summary
- Third British national suspected of hantavirus on Tristan da Cunha.
- Seven British nationals disembarked an infected cruise ship.
- Contact tracing underway for passengers who left the ship early.
A potential third British hantavirus infection has emerged on Tristan da Cunha, one of the world's most isolated islands. This new suspected case is separate from seven British nationals who disembarked the MV Hondius cruise ship on April 24. Authorities are actively working to contain the deadly virus on the remote British Overseas Territory.
Two other British men have confirmed hantavirus infections. One is in stable condition in the Netherlands, while the other is in intensive care in South Africa following an evacuation. The MV Hondius, which has at least five confirmed cases, including one fatality, is currently steaming towards the Canary Islands, where it will anchor offshore for passenger evacuation.
Contact tracing is a priority for dozens of passengers who disembarked the ship early and may have unknowingly spread the virus globally. Two individuals who returned to the UK are self-isolating, while efforts continue to locate a seventh person who has not yet returned home. The World Health Organization has stated this is not the start of a pandemic.
