Canadian tests positive for hantavirus after cruise outbreak
A British Columbia resident who traveled on the MV Hondius in April has been diagnosed with hantavirus, health officials confirm. The rare infection follows a cluster of cases linked to the vessel during its voyage near Alaska.
British Columbia health authorities confirmed on Wednesday that a resident of Vancouver Island has tested positive for hantavirus, marking the first documented case in Canada tied to the April outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The patient, who was not hospitalized, reported symptoms including fever, muscle pain, and respiratory distress after returning from the 12-day voyage that departed from Juneau, Alaska, on April 5. Laboratory tests conducted by the BC Centre for Disease Control confirmed the infection on Tuesday.
Key Points
- ✅ First lab-confirmed hantavirus case in Canada linked to the MV Hondius outbreak
- ⚡ Patient, a 42-year-old woman from Campbell River, BC, experienced symptoms after a 12-day cruise
- 💡 Health officials urge travelers who were on the April voyage to monitor for symptoms
Public health officials have not disclosed the patient’s identity but confirmed she was one of at least seven individuals who fell ill after the cruise. Six other cases were reported among passengers and crew members from the US, Norway, and the UK, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
| Region | Confirmed Cases | Status |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia, Canada | 1 | Recovered |
| Alaska, USA | 2 | Under observation |
| Norway | 3 | Recovered |
| United Kingdom | 1 | Recovered |
The MV Hondius, operated by Dutch cruise line Oceanwide Expeditions, has since completed its 2024 season without further incidents. The ship, which specializes in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, was flagged by health authorities after passengers reported symptoms consistent with hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal respiratory disease transmitted through rodent urine or feces.
📋 By The Numbers
- 7 — Total confirmed cases linked to the MV Hondius outbreak
- 12 — Number of days the cruise lasted
- 0 — Deaths reported from hantavirus in this cluster
Dr. Karen MacInnes, medical director of the BC Centre for Disease Control, stated that the risk to the public remains low but urged anyone who traveled on the April voyage to seek medical attention if they develop fever, chills, or difficulty breathing within 1 to 6 weeks of exposure. “Hantavirus is not contagious person-to-person, but early diagnosis is critical,” MacInnes said. “We are working closely with international health partners to track any additional cases.”
💡 Pro Tip
If you traveled on the MV Hondius in April and experience flu-like symptoms, insist on a hantavirus test. Early detection can prevent severe complications.
The MV Hondius, which carries up to 108 passengers, was docked in Victoria, British Columbia, on Monday for routine maintenance. Oceanwide Expeditions has not responded to requests for comment on the outbreak or its prevention measures. Cruise line records show the ship’s itinerary included stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, Alaska, where passengers may have encountered infected rodents in port facilities or onboard storage areas.
- 📊 Hantavirus has a mortality rate of 38% in severe cases, according to the World Health Organization
- 🔍 Rodent infestations in cruise ship storage holds are a known but underreported risk
- ⚠️ Symptoms may mimic common illnesses, delaying diagnosis
Health experts note that hantavirus outbreaks linked to cruise ships are exceptionally rare but not unheard of. In 2002, a hantavirus case was reported aboard a Norwegian cruise ship after passengers stayed in cabins infested with mice. The BC Centre for Disease Control is reviewing sanitation protocols for vessels operating in the Pacific Northwest, where rodent populations are higher due to climate and shipping activity.
- First — British Columbia health officials confirmed the case on Wednesday, marking the first Canadian link to the outbreak
- Second — The patient, a 42-year-old Campbell River resident, recovered without hospitalization
- Third — Six other cases were reported internationally, with no fatalities
Travelers who sailed on the MV Hondius in April are advised to monitor their health and consult a doctor if symptoms arise. While the immediate risk is low, public health agencies are on alert for any new developments as the cruise industry prepares for its 2025 season.