A person in British Columbia being monitored in self-isolation has tested presumptive positive for Andes hantavirus following exposure linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, the province’s health authorities said.
British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer said the individual was among four high-risk people being monitored for symptoms.
The officer said the individual was taken to hospital on May 14 for assessment and care along with their spouse, who was also experiencing mild symptoms. The couple had recently travelled aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship as passengers. Both are in isolation in hospital.
As a precautionary measure, a third individual who had been isolating in secure lodging has also been transferred to hospital for assessment and testing, the official said.
Samples have been sent to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing, with results expected within the next two days, according to the officer.
The Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, and local public health authorities are continuing to work together to ensure all necessary public health measures remain in place.
The agency said the overall risk to the Canadian public from the Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship remains low. However, due to the seriousness of the virus, officials said precautionary measures are being taken to protect Canadians.
