Unwell British crew member to be ‘urgently’ evacuated from cruise ship after hantavirus cases

A British crew member who became ill after a suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a luxury cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean is to be medically evacuated, officials have said. The crew member is being prepared for medical evacuation from the MV Hondius along with a Dutch colleague, with Dutch authorities overseeing the operation. The two crew members needed “urgent medical care” after experiencing respiratory symptoms, the tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions said. Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, from the World Health Organization (WHO), said its “highest priority” was to “medically evacuate these two individuals to make sure that they have the care that they [need]”. A British passenger with symptoms of hantavirus, a disease primarily found in rodents, is understood to be improving. The passenger was medically evacuated on 27 April to Johannesburg, and remains in intensive care. The UK prime minister said the government was putting “plans in place” for the onward travel of Britons stuck on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship. In a post on X, Keir Starmer said: “My thoughts are with those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius. We are working closely with international partners to support British nationals onboard and we’re putting plans in place for their safe onward travel.” Cruise passenger appeals for help after suspected hantavirus outbreak - video A total of seven suspected cases have been identified, including three people who have died. …