Dr. Joss Reimer, Canada’s chief public health officer, says as of May 14, there are 26 individuals in Canada being contacted by public health authorities to monitor for hantavirus symptoms, though they are deemed ‘low risk.’
The Canadian Press
Local public health officials are working to contact 26 additional Canadians who were aboard flights with a known hantavirus case, according to the latest national update.
Joss Reimer, Canada’s chief public health officer, said on Thursday that these individuals are considered low risk and are not required to isolate. But provinces and territories may recommend isolation if they see fit.
Dr. Reimer said she did not have information on where the 26 people currently live. All were on flights with a hantavirus case linked to the deadly outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was confirmed in early May, but did not sit nearby or come into direct contact with the infected person.
European public health identified this group as no risk, but Canada is taking a more “precautionary approach,” said Dr. Reimer.
“The provinces and territories, therefore, are undertaking the work to contact these 26 individuals and provide them with information and monitor them,” she said.
“As the situation continues to evolve, the number of individuals for public health follow-up in Canada related to the outbreak of Andes hantavirus may change over time and our response will evolve accordingly.”
Currently, 36 Canadians are being monitored for hantavirus related to the outbreak, which killed a Dutch couple and German national. Nine Canadians are deemed high risk and are isolating; all are asymptomatic.
A Quebec individual who was in isolation and previously considered high risk has been downgraded to low risk. They are no longer isolating, bringing the total number of low-risk individuals to 27.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Joss Reimer, says efforts are under way to contact 26 Canadians who were on flights with a known hantavirus case.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press