The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed a case of Andes hantavirus in Canada following laboratory testing. The case, which had earlier been identified as a presumptive positive by the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer on May 16, involved a passenger aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
According to PHAC, samples collected in British Columbia were sent to the agency’s National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory analysis. Testing confirmed one individual positive for hantavirus. A second individual, identified as a travel companion of the confirmed case, tested negative, the agency said.
Health officials stated that no additional cases have been identified so far. All individuals considered high-risk contacts are currently isolating and remain under close monitoring by local public health authorities.
PHAC, alongside the government of British Columbia and regional public health officials, said they are continuing to coordinate response measures and ensure all necessary public health protocols are being followed to safeguard Canadians.
Also Read: British Columbia Reports Presumptive Andes Hantavirus Case Linked to Cruise Ship (Previously Reported)