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.
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.
