Two British nationals who disembarked early from the MV Hondius cruise ship caught in the hantavirus outbreak have been told to self-isolate.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said today it has been in touch with two British passengers who left the cruise ship after its first leg.
They returned to the UK on their own, and are not currently showing any symptoms, the disease watchdog said.
It said the two passengers have been advised to self-isolate.
Dr Meera Chand, the 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.
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‘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.
The UKHSA said: ‘UKHSA is aware of two people who have returned to the UK independently having been on board the MV Hondius.
‘Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms.
‘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.’
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a family of rodent-bourne viruses, with each strain tied to a specific host species.
It’s spread when people come into contact with infected droppings, saliva, urine or nesting materials, but is extremely rare, and rarely passed from person to person.
If caught, hantavirus can lead to two main illnesses, one of which affects the lungs (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome or HPS) and the other which affects the kidneys (Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or HFRS).
The incubation period for this illness is generally two to four weeks, according to the government, but can range from as little as two days to as long as eight weeks.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of hantavirus are similar to the flu, and include headaches, dizziness, chills as well as abdominal problems like diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea.
If it progresses into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, patients can experience headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
If you develop Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, initial symptoms will include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever or chills, nausea, and blurred vision.
If the disease progresses, later symptoms include low blood pressure, acute shock (lack of blood flow), internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure, according to the CDC.
Hantavirus can be fatal, so it’s important to keep an eye on symptoms if you believe yo
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