A Canadian passenger who traveled aboard the MV Hondius, which experienced a hantavirus
outbreak in April, has tested positive for the virus, according to health officials in British Columbia.The individual, who is currently isolating on Vancouver Island, developed mild symptoms after returning to Canada.
Provincial health officials confirmed that the passenger was among four individuals isolating on Vancouver Island after disembarking from the ship. Authorities stated that none of them had contact with the public after arriving in Canada. The positive result remains presumptive and is awaiting final confirmation from Canada’s national microbiology laboratory.
The latest case brings the total number of infections linked to the cruise ship outbreak to 11, all
involving passengers. Three individuals who traveled on the ship have died, with two deaths
confirmed to be caused by hantavirus.
According to health officials, six Canadians were aboard the ship. Two are isolating in Ontario, while two couples are isolating on Vancouver Island; one from British Columbia and another from Yukon. The individual who tested positive is from Yukon. The remaining five Canadians have tested negative so far.
The cruise departed from Argentina on April 1 and recently docked in Tenerife, where passengers disembarked and entered isolation. The vessel is expected to arrive in Rotterdam, where remaining crew members will leave the ship. Operator Oceanwide Expeditions stated that there are currently no symptomatic individuals onboard.
World Health Organization has recommended a 42-day isolation period for those exposed.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through rodents, although the Andes strain, believed to be linked to the outbreak in South America; can spread between humans in rare cases. Health officials emphasized that the risk of a widespread outbreak remains very low.
By
HB Team
