In brief
A Canadian individual from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, has tested positive for the virus while isolating in British Columbia. This marks the 11th case linked to the outbreak, with three fatalities among passengers. Health authorities emphasize that hantavirus is not considered a pandemic threat, though precautions remain in place as further tests are awaited.
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, one of four people isolating on Vancouver Island after leaving the ship, developed mild symptoms. The province's senior health officer stated that these individuals had not had any contact with the public since arriving in Canada.
This latest case brings the total number of infections to 11, all among cruise passengers, with three individuals having died, at least two of whom were confirmed to have had the virus.
British Columbia health officer Bonnie Henry mentioned that the person's test came back as a presumptive positive. Clearly, this is not what we hoped for, but it is what we planned for, she stated.
Dr. Henry clarified that hantavirus is distinct from other respiratory viruses and does not pose pandemic potential. Of the six Canadians from the ship, two are self-isolating in Ontario while others remain on Vancouver Island. The risk of a broader outbreak remains low, officials assert.
The MV Hondius recently docked in Tenerife, Spain, and is set to return to Rotterdam. The WHO has recommended 42 days of isolation for passengers linked to this case.
Infection symptoms include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach problems, and respiratory distress, emphasizing the seriousness of health monitoring amid the outbreak.
