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Hantavirus Cruise Fears: Ontario Couple Cleared
9 May
Summary
- Two Ontario residents isolated at home after cruise ship outbreak.
- Hantavirus strain in South America can spread human-to-human.
- COVID-19 response tactics used for virus monitoring and tracing.
Two Ontario residents are isolating at home in their rural community after disembarking late last month from a cruise ship that is now the site of a hantavirus outbreak. The couple has no symptoms and is in daily contact with public health officials, with monitoring to continue for approximately 45 days, the longest potential incubation period for the virus. They were exposed on the ship and on a flight from St. Helena to Johannesburg, departing on April 25.
Hantavirus is rare and typically spreads from animals to humans. However, the South American strain in this case can spread from person to person. While there is no vaccine or specific treatment, experimental therapies may be effective. Public health officials are applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing strong communication and collaboration, particularly given the international nature of the outbreak involving passengers from over 20 countries. The World Health Organization has declared the global risk from this event to be low, but authorities are maintaining a cautious approach.
