Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the group will be isolated for at least 21 days to monitor for symptoms
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Four Canadians who were aboard a cruise ship hit by the deadly hantavirus are expected to arrive in B.C. on Sunday, says the provincial health officer.
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Dr. Bonnie Henry said the passengers of the MV Hondius, none of whom has symptoms of the disease, are travelling on a plane chartered by the Public Health Agency of Canada and will be placed under quarantine.
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“Upon arrival, they will be screened and assessed by local public health officials and transported directly to safe, pre-arranged lodgings, where they will begin an initial 21-day self-isolation period under daily monitoring by public health teams,” said Henry.
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Hantavirus was confirmed among a cluster of passengers aboard the Dutch flagged cruise ship on May 2. The severe respiratory illness killed three people and is suspected to have sickened four others among the 147 passengers and crew.
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The virus can lead to fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, and can progress rapidly to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and shock.
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“Human hantavirus infection is primarily acquired through contact with the urine, feces or saliva of infected rodents,” according to the World Health Organization. It is rare but deadly.
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“Although uncommon, limited human to human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks of Andes virus (a specific species of hantavirus).” The WHO rates the risk to the global population from the outbreak as low.
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Because of the lengthy incubation period associated with hantavirus exposure, the period of isolation might be extended to 42 days.
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“At no point during their arrival or isolation period will they be in contact with the public,” said Henry. “They will be monitored daily by local public health teams to ensure that they remain well and are safely isolating. It has been a very challenging time for these four Canadians and public health teams are committed to supporting them through this process.”
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The plan to isolate and monitor the passengers has been co-ordinated by the provincial health officer, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, local public health teams and federal partners including the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada Border Services Agency and Global Affairs Canada.
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The four will have access to medical care and other supports during quarantine.
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“In the unlikely event that symptoms develop, British Columbia has established protocols, experienced clinical teams and specialized capacity, including a biocontainment treatment centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
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“People in British Columbia may understandably feel concerned by news like this, particularly given experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Henry. “However, it is important to be clear that hantavirus is very different from respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19. It does not spread in the same way and is not considered a disease with pandemic potential.
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“Our priority is the health and well-being of these returning Canadians and the safety of British Columbians. We are taking every measure to minimize and eliminate any risk to the public. These individuals are asymptomatic, public health protocols are in place and this situation is being carefully managed at every step. People in British Columbia can be reassured that this can be managed safely and supportively for everyone involved.”
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