At least three people in Ontario are isolating due to possible exposure to the hantavirus, but one infectious diseases specialist says the limited outbreak can be contained if public health measures are followed.
The epicentre of the outbreak is linked to a cruise ship where 11 cases were identified, including three deaths.
The World Health Organization says that while uncommon, limited human‑to‑human transmission of the Andes virus (the strain of hantavirus currently being reported) has been seen in community settings involving close and prolonged contact.
“It’s important that everyone adhere to the same public health guidelines, right? Contact tracing, support through isolation, appropriate medical management for people that are ill. Canada appears to be fulfilling their share of the bargain. That’s what we’re supposed to do, and that’s what we’re doing,” Dr. Isaac Bogoch told CP24 Tuesday morning.
In a bulletin posted by Public Health Ontario regarding the outbreak, health-care providers are advised to use “airborne” and “droplet” precautions when caring for patients, in addition to routine safety practices.
There are currently no reported cases of hantavirus in Canada.
Of the three people in Ontario who are currently isolating, two are in Grey-Bruce counties and one is in Peel Region. None are showing symptoms, according to public health officials.
Bogoch said that, in 2018, a similar outbreak of the Andes strain (which is found in South America) was recorded in Argentina, but that the outbreak was “quelled” with routine public health measures.
“Such as the ones we’re taking here. And again, if everyone does their job, if all the countries adhere to these public health measures, this will be over sooner rather than later,” he said.
