Four Canadians who were stranded on a cruise ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak are en route to Quebec before moving on to British Columbia for quarantine, officials confirmed.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Global Affairs Canada chartered a flight for the asymptomatic individuals, coordinating their return with support from the Canadian Armed Forces. A PHAC officer is on board overseeing public health measures, including masking and physical distancing.
Quarantine Details
The travelers were assessed as asymptomatic before departing from Tenerife, Spain, and had been following strict isolation protocols on the MV Hondius since early May. They are expected to quarantine under supervision for just over two weeks after arriving in B.C., bringing their total quarantine time to 21 days since May 6, the last day a confirmed case was on the ship.
Health authorities in B.C. will monitor the Canadians throughout their isolation and reassess their status at the end of the period, with the possibility of extending quarantine up to 42 days based on risk assessment and World Health Organization guidance.
Outbreak Background
Three people have died since the outbreak began, and five passengers who left the ship are infected with hantavirus, which can cause life-threatening illness. Hantavirus usually spreads through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people. However, the Andes virus detected in this outbreak may be able to spread between people in rare cases. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure.
During isolation, the government says the travelers will have access to medical care, testing if symptoms develop, and mental health and psychosocial support. Public health officials will continue to follow up with provincial authorities.
Public Reassurance
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, emphasized in a written statement that the virus is very different from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. "It does not spread in the same way and is not considered a disease with pandemic potential," she said. Henry assured that health officials are taking every measure to minimize public risk, noting that the travelers will have no contact with the public during arrival or isolation.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship's owner, confirmed that the four Canadians were among roughly 130 other asymptomatic passengers on the MV Hondius when it reached port earlier today.
