This is an update from the Yukon Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade.
Two Yukoners are among the four Canadian passengers linked to the Andes hantavirus outbreak associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship. The affected individuals are currently isolating in British Columbia and are being monitored closely by public health authorities.
The individuals are not currently in the Yukon. There is no risk to Yukoners.
The individuals will remain in isolation for at least 21 days from May 10, the day they arrived in Canada. Public health officials in British Columbia will continue monitoring their health and may extend the isolation period if necessary.
Andes hantavirus is different from COVID-19 and is not considered a disease with pandemic potential. Human-to-human transmission is very rare and requires close and prolonged contact, such as among household members or people providing direct medical care.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause severe illness in humans. The Andes strain linked to this outbreak is usually found in South America and has not previously been reported in Canada.
Symptoms of hantavirus can include:
- fever and chills;
- tiredness;
- dizziness;
- muscle aches;
- nausea and vomiting;
- stomach pain;
- coughing; and
- shortness of breath in more severe cases.
The incubation period for the virus is typically up to six weeks and may extend to eight weeks.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available for the hantavirus. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms and supporting breathing and hydration.
Yukon public health officials continue to work closely with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization and provincial and territorial partners.
Yukoners are encouraged to continue following general healthy practices, including:
- preventing rodent infestations;
- properly cleaning and disinfecting areas contaminated by rodent droppings;
- keeping homes, workplaces and campsites rodent-free;
- staying home when sick; and
- covering coughs and sneezes.
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8342
[email protected]