10 Canadians connected to hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship, all asymptomatic

Federal officials report that the number of Canadians connected to the hantavirus outbreak that began on a cruise ship has grown to 10.

The number rises as the feds report three more people – two from Alberta and one from Ontario – may have had contact on a flight with someone infected.

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer said the three Canadians were not on the Dutch-owned ship. But rather, they may have come in contact with those infected. They have since been told to isolate until the risk of infection has passed.

These three are in addition to the six Canadian passengers who were on the vessel.

Two passengers – a couple from Ontario – disembarked the ship in St. Helena on April 24 and returned to Canada days later. This was only days before the World Health Organization detected the outbreak May 2.

They were among about 30 passengers who got off the boat that day.

A third person, who is from Quebec, was on the same flight to Johannesburg in late April as the Canadian couple on their journey home from the cruise. The Quebecer may have come into contact with a person showing hantavirus symptoms while on the flight.

Public health officials say all 10 are now home, asymptomatic and self-isolating.

Ontario’s top doctor, Dr. Kieran Moore, told media that the couple in his province are in good spirits and showing no symptoms while they isolate for 45 days in their community of Grey Bruce.

Provincial health officials say that there is little to no risk to the general public.

With files from The Canadian Press

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