Foreign Office Response to Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius
The Foreign Office has stated it is "working urgently" to ensure the safe return of British nationals aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a deadly hantavirus outbreak.
According to data released by Oceanwide Expeditions on Tuesday, there are 19 passengers and four crew members identified as British on the vessel.
One of these individuals, a 56-year-old doctor, was evacuated from the ship on Wednesday and is reported to be in a "stable condition".
"The situation is very serious and deeply stressful for those affected and their families," said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Since departing Argentina approximately one month ago, the MV Hondius has experienced three passenger fatalities linked to the outbreak. Despite concerns expressed by local authorities, Spanish officials have authorized the ship to dock in the Canary Islands.
On Wednesday, three symptomatic individuals were evacuated to the Netherlands for medical treatment, as confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). These evacuees include the British doctor, a 41-year-old Dutch crew member, and a 65-year-old German passenger.
The origin of the hantavirus outbreak remains undetermined, and it is currently unclear whether individuals outside the cruise ship have been infected.
Coordination and Health Measures
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is leading the UK response to the outbreak in collaboration with the WHO. The Foreign Office emphasized its commitment to ensuring all British nationals aboard the MV Hondius return home safely with appropriate public health protections in place.
Oceanwide Expeditions reported that approximately 150 people remain on board under "strict precautionary measures." Consular staff maintain direct contact with British nationals on the ship, while the Foreign Office coordinates with international partners to facilitate medical evacuations and support Overseas Territories.
Additionally, the UKHSA is collaborating with authorities in St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, and Ascension Island regarding isolation protocols, contact tracing, and response strategies.
The vessel is scheduled to sail to the Canary Islands, where all passengers will disembark at Granadilla port in Tenerife, according to Spain's health minister Monica Garcia. Spanish passengers will undergo quarantine in Madrid, while asymptomatic individuals from other countries will be repatriated.
About Hantavirus
Hantavirus comprises a group of viruses transmitted by rodents such as mice and rats. Symptoms include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Following the outbreak on the cruise ship, the UKHSA stated that the risk to the UK population is "very low" and reassured the public that there is "no need for concern among the general public."
