Daijiworld Media Network - Ottawa

Ottawa, May 18: Health authorities in Canada have confirmed a case of hantavirus infection in a cruise ship passenger currently isolating in British Columbia, following laboratory verification by federal health agencies.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said that samples sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg confirmed one individual tested positive for hantavirus, while a travelling companion tested negative.

Officials said that no additional cases have been detected so far, and all high-risk contacts have been placed under isolation and monitoring by local public health teams. Authorities added that the overall risk to the general population remains low at this stage.

The infection is linked to an outbreak aboard the polar expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius, which has so far been associated with three reported deaths, according to earlier updates from health officials.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the infected passenger developed mild symptoms, including fever and headache, before being hospitalised and placed in isolation after a presumptive positive test result.

Hantavirus infections typically have an incubation period ranging from one to eight weeks, making continued monitoring of contacts essential for public health response efforts.

Meanwhile, Dutch authorities have announced that the vessel is expected to arrive at the Port of Rotterdam, where strict infectious disease protocols will be implemented. Most crew members are expected to undergo a six-week quarantine upon arrival.

According to ship operator Oceanwide Expeditions, there are currently 27 people onboard the vessel, including crew and medical staff from multiple nationalities. Authorities in the Netherlands have designated Rotterdam as a key port for handling maritime infectious disease cases, ensuring controlled disembarkation and containment procedures.