Four Canadians are currently isolating in the Island Health region after disembarking from a cruise ship affected by the hantavirus, with two individuals hailing from British Columbia and the other two from the Yukon, according to Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. Among them are a Vancouver Island resident in their 70s, a B.C. resident in their 50s currently residing abroad, and a Yukon couple in their 70s. The group arrived at Victoria International Airport on Sunday evening and are asymptomatic.
Dr. Henry stated that the four individuals will be self-isolating for a minimum of 21 days starting from May 10, upon their arrival in Canada. This period follows a reevaluation by health authorities due to recent developments. The group has been relocated to pre-arranged accommodations for complete isolation, with daily monitoring and clear guidance provided by health officials.
Despite the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship resulting in three fatalities so far, the risk to the public is deemed low, as the virus primarily spreads through inhaling contaminated rodent droppings. Dr. Henry emphasized that the four Canadians currently isolating had no direct contact with the infected individuals on the ship and are considered to be at a lower risk due to their cabin locations and activities during the voyage.
Further updates on the health status of the isolated individuals will be provided by provincial health authorities. Dr. Henry reassured the public that while the hantavirus is a serious illness, it does not pose a pandemic threat like COVID-19 and is not transmitted in the same manner.