Three individuals linked to a cruise ship affected by a fatal hantavirus outbreak are currently self-isolating in Ontario and Quebec, the Canadian government announced on Thursday. Meanwhile, consular officials are en route to the Canary Islands to assist four remaining Canadian passengers on board the ship.
According to Oceanwide Expeditions, two Canadian passengers disembarked on St. Helena, a remote South Atlantic island, nearly two weeks ago. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand revealed that these passengers were on the same return flight as a third Canadian who did not travel on the cruise ship.
The third Canadian, from Quebec, is in isolation due to potential exposure to hantavirus during an international journey. Quebec’s health minister stated that although there was a chance of contact with an infected individual, the risk of transmission is minimal as they were not in close proximity.
All three Canadians are asymptomatic and have been following self-isolation protocols, as confirmed by Anand’s online statement. The World Health Organization reported eight cases, including three fatalities, related to the MV Hondius outbreak of the Andes virus, the sole hantavirus known to have limited human-to-human transmission.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned of the possibility of additional cases arising due to the virus’s extended incubation period. Anand and Health Minister Marjorie Michel emphasized adherence to public health protocols and interdepartmental cooperation.
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Zain Chagla highlighted that not all exposed individuals contract the virus, indicating low local transmission risk. WHO affirmed that while the situation is severe, the public health risk remains low, echoing previous Andes virus outbreaks.
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones assured that two Ontario residents have been isolating since their return and are not considered transmission risks. She stressed continuous monitoring of passengers and coordination with federal agencies for a unified response.
