Canadian public health authorities are reaching out to 26 additional individuals across the country after determining they may have had a low-risk exposure to hantavirus. This action comes in the wake of a hantavirus outbreak connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship. While European officials deemed these individuals at no risk, Canada is adopting a more precautionary stance, according to Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer.
The 26 individuals were on flights with a person potentially infected with hantavirus but are not considered close contacts due to seating arrangements. Dr. Reimer emphasized that the overall risk to the general population remains low. These individuals are not required to self-isolate, though provincial guidelines may vary as local health agencies conduct further risk assessments. Currently, nine individuals in Canada are classified as high-risk and have been instructed to self-isolate.
Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, their urine, droppings, or nesting materials. The most common strain in Canada, carried by the deer mouse, can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can take up to eight weeks to appear and may include fever, headache, and muscle aches.
While the risk of contracting hantavirus in Canada remains low, health officials advise taking precautions to prevent rodent infestations in and around homes. As of May 1, 2026, there have been 168 confirmed cases of hantavirus in Canada since 1994. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to monitor the situation closely, working with provincial and international partners.
