Four Canadians from the MV Hondius have arrived in British Columbia and entered a monitored isolation period after being flown home from Spain’s Canary Islands.
The passengers were screened by health officials after landing in northern Quebec before being transferred to B.C. on a government-chartered flight. Officials said none of them are showing symptoms.
B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the four are isolated for 21 days, counting from May 6, the last day a confirmed case was on board the ship.
Health officials said there are now 10 Canadians isolated in connection with the situation. That includes an Ontario couple who left the cruise early, along with four others in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta who were exposed during a flight. None have reported symptoms.
Officials said the risk to the public is low and noted that hantavirus does not usually spread easily between people. The virus is most commonly linked to exposure to infected rodents or their droppings.
Henry said precautions are in place to prevent public exposure and ensure quick medical care if anyone becomes ill. Plans are also in place to transfer patients to B.C.’s bio-containment treatment centre if necessary.
It is expected that a few additional cases could still appear during the incubation period, but not broader transmission.