Hantavirus ‘rat virus’ instances rise as MV Hondius Brits to fly residence for 45-day isolation

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Hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak have reportedly climbed to eight, as British passengers prepare for repatriation and mandatory 45-day quarantine

Rat virus alert: everything you need to know as brits on stricken cruise ship to be flown home

• Another case of the deadly ‘rat virus’ has been confirmed as terrified Brits prepare to be flown home from the stricken cruise ship MV Hondius.
• The World Health Organisation says six hantavirus cases are now linked to the outbreak, with UK health officials confirming a third British passenger is suspected to be infected. The patient is currently on Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote island.
• The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control revealed eight cases have been reported in total, including five confirmed, two probable and one suspected. The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus, the only type that can spread person-to-person.
• Two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus, with health agencies stating: “None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored.”
• The government is chartering a free repatriation flight with strict infection control measures. Public health specialists will monitor passengers during the journey home.
• All British passengers and crew will be forced to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK. Professor Robin May from UKHSA said: “The risk to the general population remains very low and the public can be reassured that established infection control measures will be put in place.”
• Seven British nationals who disembarked at St Helena are also being monitored, with two already isolating at home in the UK.
• READ THE FULL STORY: New ‘rat virus’ case confirmed as MV Hondius Brits set to fly home for 45-day isolation