Two Canadian passengers who were aboard a cruise ship where a hantavirus outbreak was identified have returned to Ontario and are now isolating, the province's health minister confirmed on Thursday morning. A third individual from Quebec, who was not on the cruise but came into contact with the other two on the same flight home, is also isolating, according to Canada's foreign affairs minister.
Ontario Health Minister Provides Update
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones stated that the travelers are believed to pose no risk to the public. They are being actively monitored and are working with local public health authorities on a daily basis to ensure proper isolation procedures are followed. Jones made these remarks during an unrelated government announcement regarding cancer screening. She did not disclose specific information about where the individuals reside within the province.
Ongoing Monitoring and Federal Coordination
Jones emphasized that her government is receiving regular updates not only for the two individuals but also in anticipation of any other returning travelers who may have been exposed to the deadly virus. There were four Canadians on board the cruise ship. The incubation and monitoring period is expected to last approximately 30 days, and the travelers' isolation began upon their return. Jones stressed that local public health units are responsible for monitoring the individuals and will release further information if necessary. She also called on the federal government to adopt a consistent approach for managing travelers returning to the country after a disease outbreak.
Third Person Isolating in Quebec
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced via social media that a third person is isolating after possible contact with an asymptomatic individual. All three individuals are asymptomatic, have received guidance to self-isolate, and are being monitored by local authorities for any symptom development. According to the World Health Organization, this third individual is not considered a high-risk close contact.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a serious respiratory illness caused by contact with the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents. It can be potentially fatal. The outbreak was detected in early May on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which had set sail from Argentina the previous month. There have been three reported deaths among eight suspected and five confirmed cases related to this outbreak.
