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The Canadian health authorities have confirmed its first positive case of hantavirus in British Columbia on Saturday. According to the health authorities, the passenger, along with their spouse, is currently kept under observation. The outbreak is linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius.

The affected passenger developed some mild symptoms, including fever and headache, and was then admitted to a hospital in Victoria. After testing at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, the infection was confirmed.

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The Couple Is Quarnatined

The patient was among the four Canadians who returned to British Columbia on May 10 after travelling aboard the MV Hondius, where a hantavirus outbreak has already been linked to three deaths, including a Dutch couple and a German woman.

Officials said the group, made up of two couples from Yukon and British Columbia, had been quarantined and monitored after arriving in Canada. Henry said none of the four had symptoms when they entered isolation.

The patient’s partner tested negative but will remain in the hospital for further observation. A third person who had been staying at the same lodging facility was also admitted as a precaution, while the fourth individual continues isolating at home under daily monitoring.

ALSO READ: Hantavirus Outbreak: 2 Indians Aboard Cruise Ship MV Hondius 'Healthy And Asymptomatic', Evacuated To Netherlands

The World Health Organization has advised a 42-day quarantine period for passengers exposed to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare variant that can spread between humans in limited cases.

The Andes strain of hantavirus can cause severe lung disease. It usually spreads through rodents; however, rare situations may result in its transmission from person to person. The WHO warned that the virus can be fatal in up to 50 per cent of the cases.

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