Canadian Passenger on Cruise Ship Tests Positive for Andes Hantavirus
A passenger from Canada aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for the Andes hantavirus, according to a statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada on Saturday.
The affected individual, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized on Thursday, alongside their spouse, who is displaying mild symptoms as well. Both individuals were traveling on the cruise and will be kept in isolation at the hospital.
Additionally, a third person who was staying in secure accommodation has also been hospitalized for assessment and testing as a precaution. Officials did not specify this individual’s connection to the couple or if they were also a passenger.
The health agency is actively implementing prevention protocols. Samples have been sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmation, with results anticipated within two days.
The agency reassured the public that the overall risk of the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius is currently low. However, due to the seriousness of the virus, they are taking necessary precautions to safeguard public health.
Health officials are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. Currently, they are tracking 36 individuals, including four passengers from the cruise ship, who are under isolation.
As of Friday, there were no reported cases of the Andes hantavirus in the United States. In Washington State, local health officials are investigating six possible cases of the virus. Five of these cases involve individuals who were on the same international flight as the Hondius passenger diagnosed with the virus, while the sixth was reported to have been exposed on the cruise.
Among the individuals being monitored, four are from King County, and two reside in eastern Washington.
In an unrelated case, another resident in Washington has tested positive for the Sin Nombre hantavirus, which is known to cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome and is typically transmitted through contact with the droppings, urine, or saliva of deer mice.
Health officials have stated that the risk to the general public from this and any hantavirus remains very low.
