Health authorities have launched an urgent operation to trace passengers who disembarked from the MV Hondius cruise ship during its stop at the remote St Helena island. The emergency response follows the death of a 69-year-old woman in South Africa, who had left the vessel at the British Overseas Territory before flying home and subsequently succumbing to hantavirus.

Local health officials are working with international agencies to identify and contact all passengers who may have been exposed to the deadly virus, which is transmitted primarily through rodents. St Helena's government has urged anyone who was on the cruise ship and disembarked at the island to immediately seek medical advice, even if they are not currently showing symptoms, as the virus can take several weeks to manifest.