Passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was affected by a hantavirus outbreak, board a EuroAtlantic Airways plane sure for Canada at Tenerife Sud airport, on Might 10.
| Picture Credit score: Reuters
One among 4 Canadians who returned residence from a cruise ship the place there was a hantavirus outbreak obtained a “presumptive optimistic” take a look at outcome for the virus, Canadian officers mentioned on Saturday (Might 16, 2026)
Outcomes from the Nationwide Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg to substantiate the case are anticipated to come back over the weekend, mentioned Dr. Bonnie Henry, the general public well being officer for the province of British Columbia.
“Clearly this isn’t what we hoped for, however it’s what we deliberate for,” Mr. Henry mentioned.
The particular person, one member of a pair of their 70s, started exhibiting delicate signs, together with a fever and headache, two days in the past. Each are in a hospital in Victoria.
“The affected person is secure, the signs stay delicate at this level,” mentioned Mr. Henry. “They’re nonetheless in hospital, in isolation, being monitored and receiving care as wanted.” The second particular person confirmed “very minor signs” and exams had been unfavourable, she mentioned.
“It’s encouraging that signs had been recognized early, supportive care might be supplied, and they are going to be monitored rigorously over the subsequent few days,” Mr. Henry mentioned.
Three folks have died for the reason that hantavirus outbreak started on the MV Hondius. If confirmed, the Canadian affected person could be the tenth particular person from the ship to check optimistic. The outbreak on the ship has reached 12 circumstances, 9 of which have been confirmed. Amongst those that died are a Dutch couple who well being officers consider had been the primary uncovered to the virus whereas visiting South America.
The 4 Canadians returned to British Columbia on Might 10. Apart from a pair of their 70s from the Yukon, there was an individual of their 70s from Vancouver Island and a BC particular person from British Columbia of their 50s who lives overseas. All had been in isolation.
Henry mentioned the hantavirus is totally different from COVID-19 and isn’t thought of to have “pandemic potential.”
“I wish to reassure everyone in (British Columbia) that for many of us the scenario has not modified,” she mentioned. “We have had an infection management precautions in place from the second these folks arrived in British Columbia.
“I am assured there is not any extra danger. We’re nicely ready to reply rigorously and appropriately to maintain everybody secure.”
Revealed – Might 17, 2026 03:16 am IST