In brief
A Canadian individual from the cruise ship MV Hondius has been diagnosed with a presumptive positive case of hantavirus, raising concerns after the outbreak that led to three deaths among passengers. The infected person, currently in isolation on Vancouver Island, is among four others monitored after returning to Canada from the ship. Health authorities clarify that risk of a major outbreak remains low as protocols continue to be upheld.
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 the province of British Columbia say. The individual, one of four people isolating on Vancouver Island after leaving the ship, had developed mild symptoms.The province's senior health officer stated that the four had not had any contact with the public since arriving in Canada. This case increases the total infections to 11, all among cruise passengers, with three having died, and two confirmed to have had the virus.British Columbia health officer Bonnie Henry reported that the person's test result was a presumptive positive, pending confirmation from a national microbiology lab. Dr. Henry emphasized that hantavirus is distinct from other respiratory viruses and is not considered to have pandemic potential. Of the six Canadians on the Dutch ship, two are in isolation at home in Ontario. Two more couples from British Columbia and Yukon are also isolating, with the confirmed case originating from Yukon.As the ship making its way back to Rotterdam, health officials remain vigilant yet confident, noting that the risk of a major outbreak is very low. Hantaviruses are typically rodent-borne, with human transmission possible. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.
