Canada monitoring 26 people for hantavirus, not required to isolate

Canada’s chief medical officer of health says public health authorities have been informed of 26 travellers who shared a flight with a person potentially infected with hantavirus.

The 26 people are not required to isolate but are being told to monitor for symptoms.

Dr. Joss Reimer said European authorities had designated the travellers as “no risk” of infection, but Canada is taking a more cautious approach, designating them as “low risk.”

This is the latest update from Canadian health officials as they respond to the deadly hantavirus outbreak that began on board the MV Hondius, a cruise ship that docked in Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday.

Canadian officials say there are 27 “low risk” individuals and nine “high risk” individuals, including former cruise passengers and their close contacts.

For now, Reimer is quelling fears, saying hantavirus does not pose a pandemic risk.

“I would also like to flag that we do not have any evidence that shows that the virus can spread from asymptomatic people. And so, there is no reason for us to be concerned about contacts of contacts at this time,” said Reimer. “I want to reiterate that we have robust processes and procedures in place, and further spread of the virus within Canada is not expected. But we are taking the situation, and our commitment to supporting the health of Canadians both here and abroad very seriously.”

Kerry Bowman, a bioethicist and global health expert from the University of Toronto, said hantavirus is not as infectious as COVID-19. He was asked about Canada’s handling of the outbreak and the decision not to ask everyone who may be infected to isolate.

“When we look at the facts, is there an outbreak beyond the people on the ship? Absolutely not, at this point,” said Bowman. “Have we taken every precaution that we possibly could at this point? Absolutely yes. And this country, I think, has it really nailed down. I try not to predict. And when people say there’s nothing to worry about and this will be over in a week, we don’t know that. But at this point it’s looking very good.”

Health Canada is also not offering tests to high or low-risk asymptomatic contacts right now. However, that may change pending guidance from international partners and an advisory group assembled to inform Canada’s handling of the outbreak.

WATCH MORE: 12 Canadians isolating as hantavirus cruise ship approaches end of expedition