B.C.’s top doctor to provide live update on hantavirus cruise ship passengers

Dr. Bonnie Henry provides an update on the return of Canadian passengers from the MV Hondius following a deadly hantavirus outbreak on the vessel.

British Columbia’s top doctor will provide an update Monday on the arrival in the province of four passengers who were aboard a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak.

The passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship were expected to arrive Sunday in Victoria to continue their quarantine.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is scheduled to hold a news conference on the situation beginning at 11 a.m. PT.

CTV News Vancouver will stream the update live on this page.

Three people have died since the outbreak on the ship began, and five passengers tested positive for hantavirus, which can cause life-threatening illness.

The virus usually spreads when people inhale contaminated residue of rodent droppings and isn’t easily transmitted between people.

The four Canadians were among 130 passengers on the ship.

They were assessed as asymptomatic before they took off in a plane chartered by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Global Affairs Canada, with support from the Canadian Armed Forces.

A PHAC officer ensured public health measures, including masking and physical distancing, were being followed on the flight.

They have been following strict isolation protocols on the MV Hondius since early May, when the World Health Organization declared the outbreak on the ship.

With files from The Canadian Press

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.