Four Canadians are currently isolating in the Island Health region after disembarking from a cruise ship affected by the hantavirus outbreak, with two individuals hailing from British Columbia and two from the Yukon, according to B.C.’s provincial health officer.
The group consists of a Vancouver Island resident in their 70s, another individual in their 50s from B.C. who resides abroad, and a couple from the Yukon in their 70s, as stated by Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Upon their arrival at the Victoria International Airport on Sunday evening, the four individuals were reported to be in good health with no symptoms, which was confirmed by Henry in an update on Monday morning.
Dr. Henry highlighted that the group has been transferred to pre-arranged accommodations for self-isolation for a minimum of 21 days, starting from their arrival date of May 10.
Previously, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) had indicated that the 21-day period commenced on May 6, the day when the last known person with hantavirus was removed from the cruise ship. However, after reevaluation prompted by recent developments, it was decided that the isolation period would begin on the day of their arrival in Canada.
Dr. Henry emphasized that the isolation period involves complete separation from others, with daily monitoring, symptom checks, and clear guidelines in case of any health changes.
She mentioned that the group had undergone a challenging period and expressed gratitude for being back in Canada.
Four Canadians from a cruise ship with a deadly hantavirus outbreak were flown to B.C. after docking on one of Spain’s Canary Islands. B.C. health officials said all four are asymptomatic as they begin a 21-day monitored isolation period.
Dr. Henry mentioned the utilization of the B.C. Biocontainment Treatment Centre in Surrey Memorial Hospital as part of the established protocols. She clarified that the decision to isolate the group on the island was based on logistical considerations and the province’s capability to manage the situation effectively.
Ambulances were on standby for potential transfers to Surrey Memorial Hospital, although Dr. Henry noted the preference to avoid unnecessary strain on the hospital’s resources.
According to Dr. Henry, the four Canadians are deemed to be at relatively low risk compared to others involved in the outbreak on the