In a significant health update, Canadian health authorities reported a presumptive positive test for hantavirus in one of four Canadians quarantined in British Columbia. This development follows their exposure to the virus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, where an outbreak was identified. Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer for British Columbia, disclosed that the affected individual began experiencing mild symptoms such as fever and headache two days prior. Both the individual and their partner, who also traveled on the cruise ship, were taken to a hospital in Victoria for further evaluation.
Dr. Henry emphasized the provisional nature of the positive test, explaining that the results are considered “presumptive positive” until confirmed by the national microbiology lab in Winnipeg, with results expected over the weekend. Despite this unexpected development, Dr. Henry assured the public that it aligned with preparedness plans. She reported that the patient remains in stable condition with mild symptoms and is currently isolated in the hospital under medical supervision.
The patient’s partner, who tested negative, is also being kept in the hospital for continued monitoring. Moreover, as a precautionary measure, a third individual from the same lodging has been hospitalized for observation. The fourth Canadian, who is part of this group, continues their quarantine at home under daily monitoring. This group arrived in Victoria on May 10, having been assessed symptom-free upon arrival and subsequently placed in quarantine for a minimum of 21 days.
In related developments, France’s Pasteur Institute has completed the full genomic sequencing of the Andes virus found in a French passenger from the MV Hondius. The institute confirmed that the virus matches known strains from South America, showing no new characteristics that would increase its transmissibility or severity. The genomic analysis revealed that the virus detected in passengers from the ship is closely related to other Andes virus samples in South America, with an approximate 97% similarity to those found in rodents.
Jean-Claude Manuguerra from Pasteur’s environment and infectious risk unit noted that the observed genetic variation appears to be natural and does not impact the virus’s characteristics among travelers. Since April 11, three fatalities have been reported from suspected hantavirus infections on the cruise ship, including a Dutch couple and a German woman, highlighting the serious nature of the outbreak.