Public Notices Regarding the MV Hondius Hantavirus, 6th May 2026
Tristan da Cunha
PUBLIC NOTICES
The following three public notices updating the implications for Tristan of the current outbreak of hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius were issued on the 6th May 2026:
1. Hantavirus Update
We are continuing to respond to the hantavirus incident. Tests performed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa have indicated that the Andes virus is the underlying cause.
This is the only known variant capable of human-to-human spread. The risk to the wider population remains low and transmission requires prolonged close personal contact.
This does not affect our response, which has been based on this assumption from the outset.
As we have indicated previously, we are acting from an abundance of caution and will continue to do so. Please continue to follow the advice.
A more detailed update will be issued later today and then daily thereafter.
Thank you all for your continued support and co-operation.
Philip Kendall
Administrator, 6th May 2026
2. Message from the UK Minister for Overseas Territories
The Chief Islander has received the following message from Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, and has asked me to pass it on:
Chief Islander,
I wanted to reach out personally and say I am very sorry to hear that Tristan has been affected by the health situation concerning the MV Hondius cruise ship.
My thoughts are with the islander currently in hospital and their spouse who is isolating. I also understand you have four islanders currently on St Helena that travelled on the ship.
I know how concerned you must all be. I understand from the Administrator that your Chief Medical Officer, Dr Alex, and team are doing outstanding work. I also know that your community will be being typically strong for each other at this challenging time. But to reassure, I am personally tracking events and will make sure you continue to get urgent advice and appropriate support as a priority.
Please know that you can contact me at any time - and please do say if you would like to discuss via phone, which my team can set up. The UK is always here for Tristan.
Stephen Doughty, Minister for the Overseas Territories
Philip Kendall
Administrator, 6th May 2026
3. A Statement from the Governor
Dear Friends,
I am sure that we are all by now aware of the challenge we face following confirmation today by the South African authorities of the presence of the Andes variant of the Hantavirus aboard the vessel MV Hondius. We are now responding to a crisis none of us would have wished.
The resilience of our communities has been tested before and I am proud once again of the calm, measured and proportionate response we are seeing across the Territory in difficult times. Those responding directly warrant especial thanks.
I know that information is key in these moments both to share what is known and to reassure. The three governments in the Territory have already issued detailed and coordinated Public Health information. They will continue to do so. I would reiterate that from the outset all have acted with an abundance of caution.
I am acutely aware that the vessel and its passengers is currently the subject of global news interest. Among our communities, there is intense social media activity. This is understandable. Yet we must also be cautious of potential fallibility, as the recent global misreporting of the death of Jonathan the tortoise so clearly revealed.
The Public Health information we have issued is the best available, drawing not only on the experience of our talented local experts, but also that of the UK Health Security Agency.
I am confident that we will confront this challenge together. To help achieve that, the governments will keep the public informed with a regular rhythm of information. Every effort will be made to ensure it is your trusted source.
I am grateful for your fortitude and continued support.
Nigel Phillips
Governor, 6th May 2026
Public Notice Downloads
- Hantavirus Update, 6th May 2026
- Message from the UK Minister for Overseas Territories, 6th May 2026
- A Statement from the Governor, 6th May 2026
Suspected Hantavirus on the Cruise Ship MV Hondius
Report from Tristan da Cunha Administrator Philip Kendall
As widely reported in the international media on the 3rd May 2026, including BBC News Online, a suspected outbreak of a hantavirus has occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius during a South Atlantic island hopping voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina to the Cape Verde Islands. At the time of writing, three people have sadly died and three others are ill. The Hondius visited Tristan on the 13th to 15th April during this voyage, so this development is of serious concern to the island.
The cruise ship MV Hondius off Tristan da Cunha on the 14th April 2026. Photo: Philip Kendall
We understand that the first passenger was taken ill after the ship left South Georgia and unfortunately passed away before arrival at Tristan. Another passenger passed away following evacuation to Johannesburg, South Africa, where the cause of death was identified as a hantavirus. A third passenger passed away on board the ship en route to Cape Verde and a further passenger is in intensive care in Johannesburg, while two crew members are also being treated. The ship continued to Cape Verde, where she is currently at anchor.
The following Public Notice and FAQ were issued by the Tristan da Cunha Administrator today, the 4th May 2026:
Tristan da Cunha
PUBLIC NOTICE
You will have seen the news of an evolving situation regarding a severe illness, affecting several passengers on the MV Hondius which recently visited Tristan 13-15 April 2026.
The suspected cause is hantavirus, which is usually spread through contact with infected rodents, but may eventually pass from person-to-person. Symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue (feeling more tired than usual), muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or shortness of breath. Some people may develop severe breathing difficulty requiring hospital care.
We know that passengers came ashore and may have had some contact with members of our local community but whilst the virus can be serious, no cases of this illness have been identified on Tristan and there is no significant cause for concern on the island at this time.
We are working closely with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and other international partners to assess and manage the situation. The islanders who travelled to St Helena on the MV Hondius are being advised by Public Health in St Helena to undertake a period of self-isolation, just as a precaution. We will do the same here where necessary. The Government will provide full support to those who are asked to do so. A full risk-based contact tracing process is underway to identify and notify such persons on St Helena, Ascension and Tristan.
The risk to the wider community is low and no additional precautions are necessary at this time. However out of the abundance of caution, should you experience a significant fever (>38°C), then you should contact the hospital on 5000 for advice but please DO NOT attend in person.
Your support and cooperation is greatly appreciated. Further updates will be provided on a regular basis.
I attach some frequently asked questions and answers for your information.
Philip Kendall
Administrator, 4th May 2026
Downloads
First full photograph of the 2025-2028 Island Council
Photo by Kelly Green shows the full Tristan Island Council gathered together in the Council Chamber
for the first time since the election of 5th May 2025.
Back (left to right): Randall Repetto, Steve Swain, Simon Glass, Chief Islander Ian Lavarello,
Allan Swain, Rodney Green & Larry Swain
Front: Iris Green, Lorraine Repetto, President of the Council, Administrator Philip Kendall,
Janine Lavarello & Vera Glass.
Due to the frequent travel commitments of islanders, often extending for several months, it is uncommon for all members of the Island Council to be present simultaneously. This week, however, marked a notable exception: with the return of Councillor Janine Lavarello aboard the Lance, the Council was able to convene in full.
For more on the Island Council see: Tristan da Cunha Island Council
New Page: Treasury and Finance Department |
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| Handles all Tristan's financial matters, including the budget, government wages and purchasing, and provides banking services to islanders and tourists. 23-Apr-2026 |
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Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Government Departments |
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| Tristan da Cunha's day to day organisation is administered through a number of Government Departments and the Fishing Factory. 22-Apr-2026 |
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Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Government Records |
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| This page provides downloads of Island Council minutes, public notices, budgets, and other official documents. 20-Apr-2026 |
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UK experts reach out to Tristan |
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| FCDO and British Expertise International link with Overseas Territories 27-Mar-2026 |
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- UK Lords learn about Tristan at evidence session in Parliament (27-Feb-2026) >>
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