Canadian authorities announced Saturday that one of the four Canadians who returned from a cruise ship where there was an outbreak of hantavirus has received a “presumptive positive” test result for the virus.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s public health officer, said results confirming the case are expected from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg over the weekend.
“Obviously this is not what we wanted, but it’s what we had planned for,” Henry said.
The person, one of a couple in their 70s, started showing mild symptoms such as fever and headache two days ago. Both are hospitalized in Victoria.
“The patient’s condition is stable and his symptoms remain mild at this time,” Henry said. “They remain hospitalized, isolated, monitored and receiving care as needed.”
The second person had “very mild symptoms” and tested negative.
“It is reassuring that symptoms were identified early and supportive care can be provided. He will be closely monitored over the next few days,” Henry said.
Three people have died since the hantavirus outbreak began on the MV Hondius. If confirmed, the Canadian patient would be the 10th person on the ship to test positive. The number of infected people on the ship reached 12, of which nine were confirmed. Among the dead was a Dutch couple, who health authorities believe first contracted the virus during a visit to South America.
The four Canadians returned to British Columbia on May 10, including a couple in their 70s from Yukon, a man in his 70s from Vancouver Island, and a man in his 50s from British Columbia living overseas.
Everyone was isolated.
Henry said hantavirus, unlike COVID-19, is not considered to have “pandemic potential.”
“I would like to reassure everyone that things have not changed for most of us,” she said. “From the moment these people arrived in British Columbia, we have put infection control measures in place.
“We are confident that there is no further risk. We are prepared to respond carefully and appropriately to keep everyone safe.”
