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Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: One Canadian Infected
17 May
Summary
- One Canadian tested positive for hantavirus after a cruise.
- The infected individual is from Yukon and is in stable condition.
- The Andes strain of hantavirus can be fatal in up to 50% of cases.
A Canadian national has been diagnosed with hantavirus following an outbreak on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius. The individual, who traveled from Argentina on a polar expedition, tested positive after developing mild symptoms. This person is one of four Canadians who were isolating on Vancouver Island.
The affected traveler is from Yukon, and the Yukon couple aboard the ship are being tested in British Columbia as testing is unavailable in their home territory. Health officials confirmed the group had no public contact during their transfer to Victoria.
The Andes strain of hantavirus, identified in this outbreak, is known for its potential to cause severe and often fatal lung disease, with mortality rates as high as 50%. While hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents, rare person-to-person transmission can occur. Authorities have indicated a low risk of the virus spreading further.
