Two Yukon residents who were isolating in British Columbia due to a hantavirus outbreak on their recent cruise have now received a presumptive positive test result for the virus. The elderly couple, both in their 70s, had to undergo a 21-day isolation period after traveling on the MV Hondius. Upon reaching Victoria earlier this week, they chose to stay in British Columbia for easier access to emergency healthcare if necessary.
They were part of a group of 10 Canadians, identified as potentially exposed to the virus as of May 8. This group included individuals from Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Dr. Bonnie Henry, the health officer in British Columbia, stated that while the situation is not ideal, preparations were in place for such scenarios.
According to Dr. Henry, the couple did not have direct contact with the infected individuals on the ship. However, one person started showing mild symptoms like fever and headache two days ago. This individual was tested in a Victoria hospital, and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported a presumptive positive test for the Andes strain of hantavirus on Friday.
The test result is pending confirmation by a microbiology lab in Winnipeg. The affected person is currently in stable condition and isolated in the hospital. Their partner tested negative but is under observation in the hospital.
Dr. Sudit Ranade, the chief medical officer of health in the Yukon, emphasized that the overall risk of hantavirus in the territory is low. He mentioned the importance of closely monitoring potential new cases related to the cruise ship incident.
Hantavirus typically spreads through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily transmissible between individuals. However, the Andes virus found in this outbreak may have rare human-to-human transmission capabilities. Dr. Henry clarified that hantavirus differs from other respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and is not considered a pandemic threat.
Since the outbreak, three fatalities have occurred. The World Health Organization has assured the public that the risk of widespread transmission remains minimal.