A Canadian cruise passenger, currently in isolation, has tested presumptive positive for hantavirus in British Columbia, as confirmed by health authorities. The patient, showing mild symptoms like fever and headache, was promptly hospitalized. The individual is now receiving treatment in isolation as a positive case, pending final confirmation from a microbiology laboratory.
Health officer Bonnie Henry mentioned that the patient is one of 10 Canadians isolated nationwide due to the cruise ship outbreak. While four are under monitored isolation in British Columbia, the rest are isolated in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Notably, the infected individual had no contact with the public during transfer, and all healthcare workers involved followed strict protective measures.
The hantavirus outbreak occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius, resulting in three deaths. The ship is expected to dock in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with crew members set for a six-week quarantine. Among the 27 individuals on board are crew members from various nationalities, with plans for those unable to return home immediately to stay in designated quarantine facilities.
