Jason M

Canada now monitoring 26 people for hantavirus symptoms

With the Andes hantavirus outbreak generating significant media coverage, I want to reassure Albertans that the risk in our province remains very low. There were no Albertans onboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. Unlike other jurisdictions, only two Albertans were potentially exposed while travelling on a flight. They remain healthy, symptom-free, and are isolating at home, with health officials checking in daily. Anyone else considered low risk has been contacted and is monitoring for symptoms. It is important to remember that person-to-person transmission of this virus has only been documented following prolonged close contact. There is no evidence that asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus to others. While the risk in Alberta remains very low, we will continue monitoring the situation closely to help protect Albertans.

Breaking update just on OutFront: Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, the one American passenger who was in the biocontainment unit at University of Nebraska Medical Center after testing positive for hantavirus, tells Erin he has now tested negative and moved to the quarantine unit with the other 15 passengers.

WHO Health Emergencies Communication Manager Nyka Alexander explains how hantavirus could be managed in the UK as six people have been released from a Merseyside hospital and must now self-isolate

NEW: I discovered that a second American woman jet-setted around the globe after leaving the MV Hondius in late April, traveling through at least four countries before attending an international conference in Vietnam. It's unclear if health authorities in the US are aware of the NYC resident's time on the ship or travels. Link below:

Health experts are getting chronic fatigue syndrome from having to repeatedly explain that hantavirus is NOT another Covid

Scientists Encourage Public Not To Worry Because Hantavirus Both Rare And Common