The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an update following a confirmed outbreak of hantavirus onboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, with British nationals among those affected.
UK government agencies, including UKHSA, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), are continuing to work with international partners to support passengers and crew while managing the public health response.
According to the latest update, two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus infections, with an additional suspected case linked to the outbreak. The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife, where UK government teams will support British passengers and crew returning to the UK under strict infection prevention measures.
Passengers and crew who are not displaying symptoms will be escorted to a dedicated repatriation flight arranged by the UK government. Public health specialists and NHS staff will be onboard to monitor passengers and provide support if needed.
On return to the UK, British nationals from the ship will be asked to self-isolate for 45 days, with UKHSA carrying out monitoring and testing where required.
UKHSA has also been tracing individuals who may have come into contact with confirmed cases, including people who returned to the UK independently before the outbreak was confirmed.
Officials continue to stress that the risk to the wider public remains very low.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said established infection control measures are being put in place “at every step of the journey” to support the safe return of British nationals.
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses typically carried by rodents and spread through contact with infected droppings, urine, or contaminated dust particles.
Human infections are rare and are more commonly associated with environments where rodents are present, including agricultural settings, sheds, barns, and remote accommodation areas.
Symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness to more serious respiratory complications in some cases.
While most hantaviruses are not easily transmitted between people, some strains have shown limited person-to-person spread, which is why close monitoring and precautionary measures are being taken.
The incident highlights the importance of infectious disease preparedness and clear response planning in environments where large groups of people are living or travelling in close proximity.
For organisations operating in travel, hospitality, offshore, maritime, or remote working environments, the outbreak also reinforces the need for:
• Clear infection control procedures
• Rapid isolation and response plans
• Effective communication with workers and travellers
• Access to medical support and testing
• Ongoing risk assessment for emerging health threats
The coordinated response between UK authorities and international partners demonstrates how public health agencies and employers can work together to minimise risk while supporting affected individuals in a calm and controlled manner.
UKHSA has confirmed it will continue monitoring the situation closely as passengers return to the UK.
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