Arabic version: عزل شخصين بريطانيين بعد مغادرتهما سفينة سياحية مصابة بفيروس هانتا

According to BBC News,

Two British people are self-isolating at home in the UK after potential exposure to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the individuals left the vessel earlier in its journey and do not have symptoms. They disembarked the ship at St Helena, where it docked between April 22-24, and flew back to the UK via Johannesburg. Upon learning about the outbreak, they contacted health officials for guidance.

The MV Hondius has been the site of a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three fatalities among its passengers. Approximately 150 individuals are still aboard the ship, which is now under strict precautionary measures as it sails to the Canary Islands. Oceanwide Expeditions reported that 19 passengers and four crew members on the ship are British, with one British man among those evacuated for medical treatment.

The US Department of State has stated that it is in direct contact with affected passengers and reassured that the risk to the American public remains extremely low. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that eight individuals, including a Swiss citizen, are suspected of contracting the virus.

The UKHSA is coordinating efforts to trace contacts of the two Britons who are self-isolating. They are expected to be flown home on a charter flight from the Canary Islands if they continue to show no symptoms. Health officials emphasized the importance of self-isolation for those exposed to the virus to ensure public safety.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the situation for those affected as “very serious and deeply stressful.” The UKHSA is collaborating with international partners to facilitate the safe return of British nationals still aboard the MV Hondius, ensuring that public health protocols are followed during the evacuation process.