Adedokun Waliyu 
One of four Canadians isolating on Vancouver Island after returning from the cruise ship MV Hondius has tested positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus, according to British Columbia provincial health authorities.
The positive case was confirmed by the Public Health Agency of Canada after samples from British Columbia were sent to the national microbiology laboratory in Winnipeg for testing.
Health officials said another passenger, who was travelling with the infected individual, tested negative.
Authorities stated that the overall risk to the general Canadian population remains low, but precautionary measures are being maintained due to the seriousness of the virus. The World Health Organization has also been notified as part of the international investigation into the outbreak.
The four passengers returned to Canada from the MV Hondius cruise ship after an outbreak of the respiratory illness was identified onboard following the vessel’s departure from Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arriving in Victoria, they were placed in quarantine.
According to provincial health officer Bonnie Henry, none of the passengers initially showed symptoms when they returned to Canada.
However, one member of a Yukon couple in their 70s later developed mild symptoms, including fever and headache. The other partner experienced minor symptoms but tested negative for the virus.
A third passenger staying in the same accommodation was transferred to Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals for testing and monitoring, while the fourth person continues isolating at home under daily supervision.
Health officials explained that quarantine measures were put in place because hantavirus can have a long incubation period of up to 42 days.
The outbreak linked to the cruise ship has so far resulted in 12 reported cases and three deaths, including two Dutch passengers and one German passenger. Other infected passengers from different countries remain in critical condition.
Hantavirus is commonly spread through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, saliva, or droppings. According to health authorities, human-to-human transmission can occur in situations involving close and prolonged contact.
Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fever, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and severe respiratory distress. Symptoms can appear between one and six weeks after exposure.
Officials stressed that strict infection-control measures remain in place and said there is currently no additional risk to the wider public outside those directly involved in caring for the patients.
