Cruise passenger infected with deadly hantavirus lucky to be alive: ‘It can deteriorate very quickly’

Disturbing new details emerged from the nightmare cruise plagued by the deadly hantavirus.

British ex-cop Martin Anstee is lucky to be alive after surviving a “very traumatic few days.” Anstee, 56, is the first to be identified among those hospitalized after cruise guests were evacuated in hazmat suits in Amsterdam. “I’m doing okay. I’m not feeling too bad,” the 56-year-old ex-cop told Sky News from his hospital bed in Amsterdam.

Anstee indicated that he was not allowed to discuss details of his symptoms but that he’s currently in “isolation.” “There are still lots of tests to be done. I have no idea how long I’ll be in the hospital for,” he said.

Anstee’s wife, Nicola, said the situation has been “horrible” but believes he will recover. The fear with this virus is it can deteriorate very quickly, so it’s been a bit up and down for him,” she told The Telegraph. “I don’t believe he’s in imminent danger now, but it was horrible.” “He’s relieved to be off the ship. He had it quite mild, then it got a bit more serious, and now he’s stable again,” she added.

Anstee was one of three guests taken to the hospital when authorities said that two of the three patients were “seriously” ill, the New York Post reported.

The hantavirus, usually spread by inhaling rodent droppings, was confirmed to be the Andean strain that can spread between humans in close contact.

At least eight people on the MV Hondius ship were infected, with three people already dying from the disease.

Other symptom-free passengers are reportedly returning home all over the world, including to the U.S., after spending time in quarantine and are ordered to self-isolate.

The ship itself is heading to the Canary Islands for inspection, where those remaining on board will be evaluated.

BREAKING: The cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak is on the way to the Canary Islands to allow officials to inspect the vessel.

This comes as three patients believed to have the virus were evacuated to the Netherlands to receive medical care.

Foreign Correspondent… pic.twitter.com/Ydw82BNVH8

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