Quebec public health officials say they continue to closely monitor the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship abroad, while stressing there are no confirmed cases connected to the outbreak in the province.
The Santé Québec says the risk to the Quebec population remains “very low.”
So far, eight contacts have been identified in the province. Public health authorities say those individuals are considered at low risk of developing the infection because they did not have direct or prolonged contact with the confirmed case tied to the outbreak abroad.
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Officials say the individuals are being asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 42 days following their last exposure, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada. They are not required to isolate unless symptoms develop.
Regional public health authorities are also conducting preventive follow-ups with those identified contacts.
Santé Québec noted none of the people aboard the affected ship were Quebec residents.
An advisory has also been issued to health-care professionals and through Quebec’s Info-Santé system as a precaution.
