Canada's national health agency has confirmed that one of four Canadian passengers who returned from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak has tested positive for the virus. The Public Health Agency of Canada made the announcement on Sunday, following a presumptive positive result reported by British Columbia's public health officer.
Details of the Confirmed Case
The positive test was confirmed after further testing at the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. The individual is part of a couple in their 70s from the Yukon, both of whom are currently hospitalized in Victoria. The traveling partner of the confirmed case has tested negative for the virus.
The four Canadian cruise passengers returned to British Columbia last week. In addition to the couple, the group includes a person in their 70s from Vancouver Island and a British Columbia resident in their 50s who lives abroad. All individuals are in isolation.
Broader Outbreak on MV Hondius
The hantavirus outbreak began on the cruise ship MV Hondius, where three people have died. The Canadian patient is the tenth person from the ship to test positive. Among the deceased are a Dutch couple who health officials believe were the first exposed to the virus during a visit to South America.
Risk Assessment and Response
The Public Health Agency of Canada stated that it is taking a precautionary approach to protect citizens. The overall risk to the general population in Canada from the Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius remains low, as all confirmed cases have been passengers or crew on the ship. The agency has informed the World Health Organization and will share information to support the global investigation.
