A Canadian passenger on the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for the Andes hantavirus, as announced by the Public Health Agency of Canada on Saturday.
The individual, whose name hasn’t been revealed, was hospitalized along with their spouse, who is also showing mild symptoms. Both passengers are currently in isolation at the hospital.
Additionally, a third person in secure lodging was taken to the hospital for assessment and testing as a precaution. Officials did not specify this person’s relationship to the couple or if they had been on the Hondius.
The agency is following established prevention and control protocols, sending samples to its National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing, with results anticipated in two days.
The risk to the general population in Canada from the Andes hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius is currently considered low. However, due to the seriousness of the virus, the agency is taking a careful approach to protect Canadians.
Monitoring of the situation will continue, with updates provided as necessary. Canadian health officials are now tracking 36 people, including four cruise ship passengers, who are in isolation.
No cases of the Andes hantavirus were reported in the United States as of Friday.
In Washington state, health officials are looking into six potential cases of the Andes hantavirus, five connected to an international flight with a passer diagnosed with the virus later. The sixth individual had exposure on the Hondius.
Among these individuals, four are residents of King County, while the other two reside in eastern Washington. All are being monitored for any symptoms.
Separately, a Washington resident has also tested positive for the Sin Nombre hantavirus, as reported by the Chelan-Douglas Health District. This strain is the leading cause of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in North America and is transmitted through the saliva, urine, or droppings of deer mice, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This disease isn’t novel to the U.S.
Overall, the risk to the public from any hantavirus remains described as very low, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
