Fears are growing after a new suspected ‘rat virus’ case was reported, with hantavirus infections linked to the MV Hondius rising as stranded Britons prepare to fly home and isolate for 45 days
An additional new case of what has been known as the deadly “rat virus” has just reportedly been confirmed. The terrifying news comes as Britons still stuck on the stricken cruise ship get ready to be flown home to isolate.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reportedly said the number of hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius outbreak had climbed to six. On Friday (May 10), UK health officials said a third British former passenger is suspected to be infected. The UK Health Security Agency reportedly said the patient is currently on Tristan da Cunha, widely regarded as the world’s most remote island, a British Overseas Territory with just over 200 residents.
Nevertheless, at the time of writing, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shared: “As of 8 May a total of eight cases have been reported, including five confirmed, two probable and one suspected. One new suspected case has been reported since 7 May.”
It further confirmed: “The cruise ship continues sailing towards the port of Grandilla, Tenerife, with expected arrival to the Canary Islands on 10 May. “ The ECDC added: “The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus, the only hantavirus that can be transmitted person-to-person, typically requiring close, prolonged contact.
“Measures are already in place on board of the ship to reduce the likelihood of infection among passengers and crew. The risk to the EU/EEA general population is very low.”
On Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released a statement informing that 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 agencies said.
The statement continued: “The FCDO is chartering a dedicated repatriation flight for British ship passengers and crew only. This flight will be free of charge.
“UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures. Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British Nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.
“All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required. Follow up is already underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories.
“The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support. UKHSA is aware of seven British Nationals who disembarked the ship at St Helena on 24 April.
“Two of those people have returned to the UK independently and are isolating at home in the UK. Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms.
“They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate. Four of these individuals remain in St Helena. A seventh individual has been traced outside of the UK.”
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: “This is an evolving situation, and we are working closely with partners to support British Nationals on board the MV Hondius. 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 at every step of the journey to ensure the safe repatriation of British passengers on board.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .