Canada Confirms Hantavirus Case After Cruise Ship Outbreak

Canadian authorities have confirmed the first positive case of hantavirus following an outbreak aboard the luxury expedition vessel MV Hondius, which sailed from Argentina to the polar regions. The infected Canadian, from the Yukon, was tested at a hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, after presenting with mild symptoms.

He and three other Canadians remain in isolation on Vancouver Island. Health authorities say they have not come into contact with the public since their return. The Andes strain of hantavirus is considered extremely dangerous as it can cause severe lung disease with a high mortality rate.

Unlike most hantaviruses, the Andes strain can in rare cases also be transmitted between humans. Authorities say the risk of further spread nonetheless remains low. The MV Hondius departed Argentina in early April on a polar expedition and the circumstances of the outbreak on board remain under investigation.

(reuters)