Ottawa, May 18: The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed symptoms of hantavirus in a cruise passenger following laboratory tests. The individual is currently in isolation in British Columbia.
According to news agency Xinhua, PHAC stated that samples from British Columbia were sent to the agency’s microbiology laboratory in Winnipeg for testing. On Saturday, one individual’s sample tested positive for hantavirus, while a travel companion of the infected person tested negative.
PHAC reported that all individuals at higher risk are in isolation and are being closely monitored by local public health authorities. The agency also mentioned that the overall risk to the general public in Canada remains low at this time.
The infection originated from the Polar Expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, which has been linked to three deaths so far. The incubation period for hantavirus typically ranges from one to eight weeks.
Previously, health officials in British Columbia announced that a Canadian cruise passenger, who is currently in isolation, tested positive for hantavirus. Provincial health officer Bonnie Henry indicated that the patient began showing mild symptoms, including fever and headache, two days prior. The individual was subsequently admitted to a local hospital, and isolation treatment commenced following a potential positive report on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Dutch government announced that the MV Hondius, affected by the hantavirus, is expected to arrive at the port of Rotterdam next Monday. Most crew members will need to undergo a six-week quarantine in Rotterdam.
A letter sent to Parliament stated that Rotterdam has been designated as a port in the Netherlands for handling ships with infectious diseases. The letter was signed by Dutch Health, Welfare and Sport Minister Sophie Hermans and Foreign Minister Tom de Bruijn.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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