KEY DETAILS
No confirmed cases. PHAC reports 9 high-risk contacts in Canada; all remain asymptomatic. Domestic Sin Nombre virus remains at baseline. Risk to general population low per PHAC.
As of May 13, 2026, Canada has zero confirmed hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak or domestic transmission. PHAC reports nine high-risk contacts in Canada: four returning Canadian passengers in British Columbia plus five other potentially exposed people in Canada. All remain asymptomatic and are being monitored. Public Health Agency of Canada officials emphasize that overall risk to the Canadian public remains low, with no evidence or expectation of onward community spread. Andes virus is not endemic in Canada and does not spread easily person-to-person outside of close, prolonged contact. Canada’s native hantavirus risk, primarily Sin Nombre virus, remains at baseline with no reported 2026 surge.
No confirmed cases. PHAC reports 9 high-risk contacts in Canada; all remain asymptomatic. Domestic Sin Nombre virus remains at baseline. Risk to general population low per PHAC.
PHAC May 12 media update + WHO
PHAC reports nine high-risk contacts in Canada after potential exposure on the MV Hondius or on related flights. This includes four Canadian passengers who returned to British Columbia and five other potentially exposed people in Canada. All are asymptomatic in the May 13 snapshot and are being monitored under public health guidance.
Canada records rare cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome caused by Sin Nombre virus, which is rodent-borne and found mainly in western provinces. As of May 1, 2026, the National Microbiology Laboratory has confirmed a cumulative total of ~168 cases nationwide since active surveillance began in 1994. No new domestic outbreaks or spikes have been reported in 2026.
PHAC has issued a rapid risk assessment and held technical briefings from May 8-10, 2026. Officials stress that Andes virus transmission requires close, prolonged contact and is distinct from Canada’s endemic strain. No travel restrictions or broad quarantines have been implemented. The cruise situation is now in a repatriation and monitoring phase, with emphasis on exposed travelers, contact tracing, and standard rodent-avoidance precautions.