Ontario’s chief medical officer of health has reported that two Ontario residents, who were on a cruise ship with passengers infected with hantavirus, are currently in good condition and showing no symptoms while isolating in their rural community. Dr. Kieran Moore mentioned that the couple in the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit’s area are under observation for 45 days, which is the longest potential incubation period for the virus.
The couple disembarked the cruise ship on St. Helena, a remote South Atlantic island, in late April, then traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, where they were exposed to an infected person on their flight. Dr. Moore assured that there is minimal to no risk to the general public in Ontario as the couple remains asymptomatic.
Additionally, four other Canadians are still on the cruise ship, which has reported eight cases of the virus, including three deaths from the Andes virus outbreak. This particular hantavirus is the only one known to have limited transmission between humans. Dr. Moore clarified that none of the remaining Canadians on the ship are from Ontario.
To coordinate efforts, there was a national teleconference for public health leaders, involving federal, provincial, and territorial partners. Dr. Moore acknowledged that despite the low risk of widespread virus transmission, terms like “contact tracing” can be anxiety-inducing due to their association with the pandemic.
Consular officials are en route to the Canary Islands to meet the MV Hondius, carrying more than 140 asymptomatic passengers and crew, as it docks this weekend in Granadilla, Tenerife. Dr. Moore expressed confidence in the province’s preparedness for contact tracing, monitoring, testing, and ensuring appropriate care for Ontarians.