Canadian Tests Positive for Hantavirus From Ship Outbreak
A Canadian passenger from the cruise ship MV Hondius has tested positive for hantavirus. The Public Health Agency of Canada announced this on Saturday.
The passenger had mild symptoms including fever and headache. The test result is early and needs more checks.
Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg will confirm the result within two days. Four Canadians are now in isolation in British Columbia after exposure on the ship.
The MV Hondius outbreak has already killed three people. The virus strain is called Andes virus.
It is the only known hantavirus that can spread from person to person. By May 15 former passengers were in isolation or hospital across at least 12 countries.
Klear Note — Hantavirus causes severe lung and kidney disease in humans. Andes virus is rare and spreads person-to-person, unlike most hantaviruses. Cruise ship outbreaks spread quickly across many countries.
Key Terms 4
- hantavirus A rare virus spread by rodents that can cause serious illness
- Andes virus A hantavirus strain that can spread between people
- isolation Kept away from others to stop a virus spreading
- preliminary result An early test result that still needs to be confirmed