Two passengers from hantavirus ship self-isolating in the UK

MV Hondius. Credit: BBC

By Ella Pickover, PA Media

Two people who were on board the cruise ship linked to the hantavirus outbreak are self-isolating after returning to the UK, health officials have said.

The two people left MV Hondius at St Helena in late April, flying back to the UK via Johannesburg, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

Neither had symptoms but contacted health officials when they heard of the ship's cases.

It came after three people from the ship, including a British crew member, were medically evacuated and travelled on to Netherlands to receive care.

On Wednesday, Spanish health minister Monica Garcia said that the British crew member was a doctor, although it has since been reported he is a former police officer and expedition lead.

Martin Anstee was described by Garcia as being in a “stable condition” after previously being in a “critical condition”.

Speaking from hospital, Anstee told Sky News he was in isolation and "doing ok".