Canadian Officials Report Presumptive Hantavirus Case Linked to Cruise Ship

Canadian officials said on Saturday that one of four Canadians quarantining in British Columbia after exposure to hantavirus on the MV Hondius has received a presumptive positive test result. The person developed mild symptoms including fever and headache two days earlier and was transferred with their partner to a hospital in Victoria for assessment.

Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, said late Friday test results came back positive but remain presumptive pending confirmation from the national microbiology lab in Winnipeg. Results are expected over the weekend. The patient remains stable with mild symptoms and continues in hospital isolation under monitoring.

The partner tested negative but stays in hospital for further assessment. A third person from the same lodging was transferred to hospital as a precaution while the fourth continues isolation at home. " — Dr Bonnie Henry (The Guardian) The four Canadians arrived in Victoria on 10 May and began a minimum 21-day quarantine after initial assessment showed no symptoms.

Three people who were aboard the MV Hondius have died of suspected hantavirus infections since 11 April.