Pitcairn resident isolates after cruise-linked hantavirus exposure

A woman is isolating on the Pitcairn Islands, a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Pacific, after contact with an individual exposed to hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. Officials said she is asymptomatic and is not considered a suspected case, adding that the risk to the public is low. The woman traveled from San Francisco on May 7 and transited through Tahiti and Mangareva in French Polynesia before reaching Pitcairn.

The World Health Organization has confirmed nine hantavirus cases tied to the ship, with two additional cases suspected. Three deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak, officials said. Hantaviruses are typically carried by rodents, but the WHO has said human transmission of the Andes strain is possible, and believes some passengers may have contracted it in South America.

UK officials said they are coordinating with local authorities and the UK Health Security Agency to manage the situation on the islands. The UKHSA said close contacts of cases—those on the ship are considered to be—are advised to isolate for 45 days.

French Polynesia restricts re-entry after transit

French Polynesian authorities said they were not notified that the woman transited through Tahiti and Mangareva. After an emergency meeting, the territorial government said she will not be permitted to re-enter French Polynesia from Pitcairn while she is considered to pose a risk to others.

French Polynesia also said passengers on the same San Francisco-to-Tahiti flight were not considered close contacts and that the risk of infection was very low.

Cruise ship timeline and other suspected case

The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 carrying 147 passengers and crew. It is expected to arrive in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on May 17 after leaving Tenerife, Spain, earlier in the week, officials said.

Separately, a suspected hantavirus case from the ship disembarked on Tristan da Cunha, another remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, prompting military medical assistance, officials said.

Health authorities have said the situation could change as additional cases are assessed, and officials will continue monitoring close contacts during the isolation period.