Canada reports presumptive hantavirus case tied to cruise ship outbreak

One of four Canadians who returned from the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has a presumptive positive hantavirus test; confirmatory results are expected from Winnipeg’s National Microbiology Lab over the weekend. The patient, a man in his 70s, is hospitalized in Victoria in stable condition with mild symptoms, while his partner has very minor symptoms and tested negative. The ship outbreak has grown to 12 cases (nine confirmed) with three deaths. The four Canadians who returned May 10 remain isolated in British Columbia. Health officials say hantavirus is not COVID and does not have pandemic potential, and infection-control precautions are in place with no additional risk to the public.