A Dutch flight attendant has been hospitalized after coming into contact with a woman who died of hantavirus. The individual, a crew member for KLM, had been in contact with a woman who was taken off a flight and later died in a hospital in Johannesburg.
Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius
The outbreak has been linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde. Three people have died so far: a Dutch couple, both aged 69, and a German national. The couple may have contracted the virus during a bird-watching outing in Ushuaia, Argentina, where they visited a landfill site possibly exposed to rodents carrying the infection.
British Passengers and Crew Affected
Nineteen British nationals were listed as passengers on the ship, along with four British crew members. British passengers will be asked to self-isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK. One British crew member, Martin Anstee, a retired police officer and expedition guide, was evacuated to a hospital in the Netherlands after showing symptoms. Speaking from isolation, he said he is doing OK but has no idea how long he will remain hospitalized.
Two other Brits who returned independently from the cruise have been told to self-isolate at home by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Timeline of Events
- The Dutch husband died on April 11 after five days of flu-like symptoms.
- His body went ashore at Saint Helena on April 24 alongside his wife, who later fell ill and died in Johannesburg on April 26.
- A German national aboard the ship died on May 2.
- The Dutch flight attendant was hospitalized on May 7.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are urging those who may have been exposed to seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
