Canadian Tests Positive for Hantavirus After Cruise Ship Voyage; Study Links Prenatal Flavors to Preferences

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Health officials in British Columbia confirmed a Canadian passenger aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship tested positive for Hantavirus, bringing the total related infections to 11, with three deaths. Separately, a study published in the Journal of Developmental Psychology suggests prenatal exposure to vegetable flavors, like carrot or kale, through maternal consumption during pregnancy, can influence childhood preferences for those tastes.

• The Canadian individual confirmed with Hantavirus has mild symptoms, and along with three others in isolation on Vancouver Island, has had no public contact since returning.
• Hantavirus is not considered to have the potential to cause an epidemic, unlike respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 or influenza, according to Bonnie Henry, Chief Health Officer of British Columbia.
• The study involved 2-year-old children whose mothers were given carrot and kale powder capsules during pregnancy, with their reactions to smelling cotton balls dipped in these flavors recorded.
• Children whose mothers consumed carrot powder during pregnancy showed positive reactions to the smell of carrot powder, while reacting negatively to kale powder.
• The research, funded by Aston University, indicates that smells experienced in the womb are imprinted in a child's long-term memory, influencing their food preferences.