4 weeks ago
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One of 4 Canadians who returned location from a cruise vessel wherever determination was a hantavirus outbreak received a “presumptive positive” trial effect for the virus, Canadian officials said connected Saturday (May 16, 2026)
Results from the National Microbiology Lab successful Winnipeg to corroborate the lawsuit are expected to travel implicit the weekend, said Dr. Bonnie Henry, the nationalist wellness serviceman for the state of British Columbia.
“Clearly this is not what we hoped for, but it is what we planned for,” Mr. Henry said.
The person, 1 subordinate of a mates successful their 70s, began showing mild symptoms, including a fever and headache, 2 days ago. Both are successful a infirmary successful Victoria.
“The diligent is stable, the symptoms stay mild astatine this point,” said Mr. Henry. “They are inactive successful hospital, successful isolation, being monitored and receiving attraction arsenic needed.” The 2nd idiosyncratic showed “very insignificant symptoms” and tests were negative, she said.
“It is encouraging that symptoms were identified early, supportive attraction tin beryllium provided, and they volition beryllium monitored cautiously implicit the adjacent fewer days,” Mr. Henry said.
Three radical person died since the hantavirus outbreak began connected the MV Hondius. If confirmed, the Canadian diligent would beryllium the 10th idiosyncratic from the vessel to trial positive. The outbreak connected the vessel has reached 12 cases, 9 of which person been confirmed. Among those who died are a Dutch mates who wellness officials judge were the archetypal exposed to the microorganism portion visiting South America.
The 4 Canadians returned to British Columbia connected May 10. Besides a mates successful their 70s from the Yukon, determination was a idiosyncratic successful their 70s from Vancouver Island and a BC idiosyncratic from British Columbia successful their 50s who lives abroad. All were successful isolation.
Henry said the hantavirus is antithetic from COVID-19 and is not considered to person “pandemic potential.”
“I privation to reassure everybody successful (British Columbia) that for astir of america the concern has not changed,” she said. “We've had corruption power precautions successful spot from the infinitesimal these radical arrived successful British Columbia.
“I'm assured there's nary further risk. We are good prepared to respond cautiously and appropriately to support everyone safe."
