Two British nationals medically evacuated from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship grappling with a rare hantavirus outbreak, are showing signs of improvement, according to global health officials. The news provides a tentative sense of relief for passengers and crew who have spent weeks navigating both a physical journey and a frightening medical crisis.
One patient, a 69-year-old man, is currently receiving care at a private health facility in Sandton, Johannesburg, after being evacuated to South Africa on April 27. Meanwhile, Martin Anstee, a 56-year-old expedition guide and former police officer, was flown to the Netherlands for specialist treatment. Speaking from his hospital bed, Anstee told reporters he is “doing OK” and is currently in isolation while undergoing further testing.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed during a press briefing that the patient in South Africa is doing better and the patients in the Netherlands remain stable. “That is actually extremely quality news,” she stated, acknowledging the severity of the illness but noting the positive trajectory of those currently hospitalized.
As of Thursday, health officials have identified eight suspected cases, five of which have been laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus. The outbreak has already been linked to three deaths, including a Dutch woman who became ill during onward travel after disembarking from the ship. The source of the infection is believed to be linked to a birdwatching excursion in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay undertaken by two passengers prior to boarding the vessel.
Understanding the Andes Virus and Transmission
From a clinical perspective, this outbreak is particularly concerning because it involves the Andes virus, a specific variant of hantavirus. While most hantaviruses are contracted through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, the Andes virus is notable for its rare ability to transmit from person to person.
This capacity for human-to-human transmission explains the rigorous contact tracing and quarantine measures currently in place. A woman in Amsterdam, reported to be a flight attendant who had contact with a deceased passenger, recently came forward with potential symptoms, highlighting the risk of transmission beyond the ship’s immediate perimeter.
The incubation period for the Andes virus is a primary challenge for health authorities. While the general consensus is a window of approximately six weeks, some extreme cases can take up to eight weeks for symptoms to manifest. This biological lag is why the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is recommending a strict 45-day self-isolation period for any British passengers returning home.
Containment and the Journey to Tenerife
The MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde, is currently heading toward the Canary Islands. Despite initial concerns from local officials and residents, Spanish authorities have granted permission for the ship to anchor at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife, where This proves expected to arrive in the early hours of Sunday.
To manage the risk, the ship is currently operating as a floating clinic. Two doctors and infectious disease experts from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are on board, conducting comprehensive medical assessments of every passenger and crew member.
The WHO reports that morale on board has improved as the ship nears Tenerife. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, described the situation as a “serious incident” but emphasized that the overall risk to the general public remains low. He praised the cooperation of the ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, and the resilience of those on board.
Outbreak Summary and Logistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Cases | 5 (8 suspected total) |
| Fatalities | 3 linked deaths |
| Key Variant | Andes virus (Hantavirus) |
| UK Quarantine | 45-day recommended isolation |
| Next Port of Call | Granadilla, Tenerife |
UK Government Response and Repatriation
The British government is coordinating a complex repatriation effort for its citizens. Nineteen British nationals were listed as passengers on the MV Hondius, supported by four British crew members. While some have already returned home and are isolating, the Foreign Office is arranging a charter flight for the remaining asymptomatic Britons once the ship docks in Tenerife.
Prof. Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at the UKHSA, has sought to calm public anxiety, stating that for the broader population not directly involved with the cruise, the risk is “really negligible.” However, contact tracing remains active for those who may have shared flights with passengers disembarking from the vessel.
The WHO is not expecting the outbreak to evolve into a wider epidemic. Dr. Abdirahman Mahamud, director at the alert and response coordination department, pointed to a similar outbreak in Argentina during 2018-19 that resulted in 34 cases but remained contained.
The next critical checkpoint will be the ship’s arrival in Tenerife on Sunday. Once docked, health officials will conduct final screenings to determine who can be safely repatriated and who requires further hospitalization. The WHO and UKHSA are expected to provide an updated case count following these assessments.
Do you have questions about travel health or the current hantavirus situation? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this story to keep others informed.
