Canadian Hondius passenger hospitalized at home with suspected hantavirus

A Canadian passenger who had been aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has tested positive for hantavirus after returning to Canada, broadcaster CBC reported, citing a Canadian health official. The test result, however, is reportedly a preliminary one that still requires laboratory confirmation.

The patient is in their seventies and had been traveling on the cruise ship with their partner, the provincial health officer for British Columbia, Bonnie Henry, told the RTL.

A total of 27 people remain on board the Hondius, including 25 crew members and two employees of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Three people have died due to the hantavirus outbreak on the ship.

The patient in question began exhibiting mild symptoms, including fever and headaches, two days ago, Henry told RTL. He was then taken to a hospital for isolation. According to the official, he is in stable condition now.

"This is clearly not what we were hoping for, but it is something we are prepared for," said Henry.

Currently in the Netherlands, 30 Dutch Hondius passengers are in the 60-day home quarantine, while 37 international travelers are quarantining in hotels across the country, according to the GGD.