Hantavirus testing might not be useful for people without symptoms: experts
Health experts in Canada question the usefulness of testing asymptomatic individuals for hantavirus exposure, as four people from a stricken cruise ship remain in isolation on Vancouver Island. Meanwhile, global cases have risen to 11 with three deaths, as the Andes virus spreads among passengers and crew from the MV Hondius ship in Spain’s Canary Islands.
Health officials in Canada are debating whether testing asymptomatic individuals for hantavirus exposure is effective, given the virus’s long incubation period. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, noted that global health authorities are discussing the issue after passengers from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius returned to their home countries. Four Canadians exposed to the virus are currently isolating on Vancouver Island, while 10 others in Canada are being monitored for symptoms. Experts argue that current tests—including antibody and PCR tests—may not reliably detect hantavirus early, as symptoms can take weeks to appear. Bryce Warner, a hantavirus scientist at the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, warned that a negative test in the early stages does not guarantee absence of the virus. The Andes strain, which caused the outbreak, is the only known hantavirus to spread person-to-person, but transmission requires prolonged close contact. Internationally, cases have increased since the ship’s evacuation on May 2, with 11 confirmed infections and three deaths among passengers and crew. Spain’s health ministry reported a positive case among evacuees, while the U.S. and France confirmed two additional cases, including an asymptomatic American patient under observation in Nebraska. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated there is no sign of a larger outbreak but cautioned that more cases may emerge due to the virus’s incubation period. Public health officials emphasize that the Andes virus poses no pandemic risk, as transmission requires direct and sustained contact. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, noted that while the situation remains under control, continued monitoring is essential due to the virus’s delayed symptoms. Canadian health authorities are prepared to test and treat any exposed individuals who develop symptoms, though testing asymptomatic cases remains uncertain in its effectiveness.
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