Hantavirus Outbreak: A Canadian Returns with Presumptive Positive Case

A Canadian from a cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak tested presumptive positive for the virus. Public health officials in British Columbia are monitoring the senior couple, both hospitalized. The outbreak has affected 12 people, with three fatalities, but officials assure the public there's no pandemic risk.

A Canadian who recently returned from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak has received a "presumptive positive" test result, health officials confirmed Saturday.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia's public health officer, indicated that the individual, part of a senior couple, is exhibiting mild symptoms and remains in stable condition at a Victoria hospital.

Despite three fatalities associated with the cruise outbreak, officials emphasize that the hantavirus lacks any pandemic potential and assure the public that strict infection control measures are in place.