A third British national who is suspected of being infected with the rat virus, hantavirus, has been identified on the remote island area of Tristan da Cunha, a UK health agency has confirmed
A third British national has been diagnosed with suspected hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak, health officials have said.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus but there is now “an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha”.
The patient remains on the remote South Atlantic island. The other two British nationals remain in hospital in the Netherlands and South Africa.
The UKHSA said: “The UK government continues to work with international authorities in preparing for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed by the World Health Organization.
“Two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus, with an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha. None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored.
“The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday, according to the latest updates from the Spanish Health Ministry. UK government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking. British Passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.”
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