Two people who returned independently to the UK from the cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak are self-isolating, authorities have said.
The passengers were asking to do so after returning from the MV Hondius, the UK Health Security Agency has said.
In an update issued on Wednesday evening, the UKHSA said “the risk to general public remains very low”, adding that neither of the two individuals who have been asked to self-isolate had reported symptoms.
The organisation said: “They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate.
“UKHSA are supporting a small number of individuals identified as close contacts of those on the boat. They are being offered support and are also self-isolating. None are reporting any symptoms. The risk to the general public remains very low.”
The statement continued: “UKHSA is working closely with the FCDO, the Home Office, and Border Force to trace further individuals who may have been on the same flight as a confirmed case, in order to carry out public health risk assessments and ensure appropriate precautionary measures are in place.”
Dr Meera Chand, deputy director for epidemic and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius.
“It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low.
“We are standing up arrangements to support, isolate and monitor British nationals from the ship on their return to the UK and we are contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or the hantavirus cases to limit the risk of onward transmission.
“UKHSA will continue to work closely with government partners to offer all necessary support.”
19 British nationals were listed as passengers on the cruise, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde, along with four British crew members.
Two Britons, a passenger and a crew member, are among those taken ill in the suspected outbreak, which has been linked to three deaths.
It has since been reported that British crew member Martin Anstee was among those evacuated from the ship.
The 56-year-old expedition guide and former police officer was flown to receive specialist medical care in the Netherlands after being airlifted off the vessel.
Mr Anstee’s wife Nicola told the Telegraph it had been “a very traumatic few days”.
She added: “He’s relieved to be off the ship. He had it quite mild then it got a bit more serious and now he’s stable again.
“The fear with this virus is it can deteriorate very quickly so it’s been a bit up and down for him. I don’t believe he’s in imminent danger now but it was horrible.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that the Government was taking the hantavirus outbreak “incredibly seriously”.
He posted on X: “The outbreak of Hantavirus on the MV Hondius will be worrying many. The Government are taking this incredibly seriously and are working urgently to support the British nationals involved.
“We are working across DHSC, UKHSA and the FCDO to ensure all those affected get home safely.”
