A Canadian who sailed on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was hit by a hantavirus outbreak in April, has tested positive for the disease, officials in British Columbia report. The individual, part of a group of four who have been isolating on Vancouver Island after returning from the ship, developed mild symptoms before the positive test result.
British Columbia’s chief health officer confirmed that none of the four individuals have had contact with the public since arriving in Canada, and the total number of infections linked to the cruise has now reached 11, including three fatalities. Of the deceased, two were confirmed to have had the virus.
Dr. Bonnie Henry clarified that the recent case returned a presumptive positive on Friday and confirmed it still requires validation from a national microbiology lab. She noted that hantavirus is not comparable to other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and influenza, and does not pose a pandemic threat.
Among the six Canadians on board, two are self-isolating in Ontario, while two couples remain on Vancouver Island, including the Yukonian who has tested positive. The MV Hondius had set sail from Argentina on April 1, docking in Tenerife, Spain, and the ship's owner has announced plans to allow remaining staff to disembark in Rotterdam while reporting no symptomatic individuals on board.
Health officials continue to state that the risk of a significant outbreak is very low, despite the potential for human transmission of the Andes strain of hantavirus, typically carried by rodents. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. The recommended isolation period has been extended to 42 days following guidance from the WHO, amid adjustments for those exposed.
British Columbia’s chief health officer confirmed that none of the four individuals have had contact with the public since arriving in Canada, and the total number of infections linked to the cruise has now reached 11, including three fatalities. Of the deceased, two were confirmed to have had the virus.
Dr. Bonnie Henry clarified that the recent case returned a presumptive positive on Friday and confirmed it still requires validation from a national microbiology lab. She noted that hantavirus is not comparable to other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and influenza, and does not pose a pandemic threat.
Among the six Canadians on board, two are self-isolating in Ontario, while two couples remain on Vancouver Island, including the Yukonian who has tested positive. The MV Hondius had set sail from Argentina on April 1, docking in Tenerife, Spain, and the ship's owner has announced plans to allow remaining staff to disembark in Rotterdam while reporting no symptomatic individuals on board.
Health officials continue to state that the risk of a significant outbreak is very low, despite the potential for human transmission of the Andes strain of hantavirus, typically carried by rodents. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. The recommended isolation period has been extended to 42 days following guidance from the WHO, amid adjustments for those exposed.
