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Hantavirus case confirmed among cruise passengers
Health officials in British Columbia have reported a presumptive positive case of hantavirus in a Canadian who traveled on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which experienced an outbreak in April.
Case details and isolation measures
The individual, one of four people isolating on Vancouver Island after disembarking, developed mild symptoms. All four have had no contact with the public since returning to Canada, according to provincial health authorities.
The test result, described as a presumptive positive, still requires confirmation from Canada's national microbiology lab. The case raises the total number of infections linked to the cruise to 11, all among passengers. Three deaths have been reported, with two confirmed to have had the virus.
Health official emphasizes low transmission risk
British Columbia's senior health officer, Bonnie Henry, stated that while the case was not unexpected, it aligns with prepared protocols. She underscored that hantavirus differs significantly from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, or measles, and does not pose pandemic risks.
"Clearly, this is not what we hoped for, but it is what we planned for."
Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia health officer
Passenger origins and isolation status
Of the six Canadians on board the Dutch-flagged ship, two are self-isolating in Ontario, while the remaining four-including the Yukon resident who tested positive-are on Vancouver Island. The other five have not shown symptoms or tested positive.
The MV Hondius, which departed Argentina on April 1, docked in Tenerife, Spain, less than a week ago, allowing its 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries to disembark and begin isolation. The World Health Organization (WHO) initially recommended a 42-day isolation period, though Canadian officials may adjust this timeline.
Transmission and symptoms
Hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents, but the Andes strain-believed to have infected some passengers-can transmit between humans. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
Despite the outbreak, health officials maintain that the risk of a major spread remains very low.
