Three public notices on the implications of the hantavirus outbreak for Tristan.

Public Notices Regarding the MV Hondius Hantavirus, 6th May 2026

Tristan da Cunha crestTristan 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