Canada confirms first hantavirus case in isolation in British Columbia
Canada confirms first hantavirus case in isolation in British Columbia
A quarantined passenger from the MV Hondius tests presumptively positive for hantavirus in BC as confirmatory results await, with others monitored closely.
Health officials in British Columbia announced that one of four Canadians quarantined after exposure to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius has presumptively tested positive for the virus. The patient developed mild symptoms, including fever and headache, two days ago and was moved to a hospital in Victoria for assessment and testing. The patient’s partner, who was aboard the ship, tested negative and remains in hospital for monitoring; a third person who had been isolating in the same lodging has also been transferred to hospital, while the fourth person continues to isolate at home under daily observation.
Samples have been sent to the national microbiology lab in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing, with results expected over the weekend. Officials stressed that a presumptive positive is not a final diagnosis until confirmatory tests are completed, but they said the patient is stable and receiving care in isolation.
The four Canadians arrived in Victoria on 10 May, were screened on arrival, and placed in lodgings; none showed symptoms at that time. The hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius has already claimed three lives, heightening vigilance for anyone connected to the ship’s voyage.
Public health officials emphasized ongoing precautions and urged travelers and close contacts to monitor for symptoms.
