Hantavirus Report 3: Canada Confirms First Case, 10 Infected Across 7 Countries, Ship Docks in Rotterdam

The hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship continues to unfold. On May 17, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed that a Yukon resident, while isolating on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, tested positive for Andes hantavirus through the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. This marks Canada's first confirmed case in the current outbreak.

Canada Update

The patient was a passenger aboard the MV Hondius and had been isolating with their partner on Vancouver Island. B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a "presumptive positive" result on May 16, which was confirmed by the national lab the following day. The patient developed mild symptoms including fever and headache earlier in the week and has been hospitalized. Their travel partner tested negative.

Nine high-risk contacts remain in isolation across Canada, while 26 low-risk contacts — passengers who shared a flight with the confirmed case — are being contacted by public health for monitoring. PHAC emphasizes that the overall risk to the general public remains low.

Global Situation

According to the latest WHO update, the hantavirus cluster linked to MV Hondius has resulted in 3 deaths and 10 confirmed cases across 7 countries:

• Netherlands (3 cases, 2 deaths): MV Hondius docked at Rotterdam on May 18 for decontamination; 25 crew and 2 medical staff entered Dutch quarantine
• South Africa (2 cases, 1 death): 1 fatality in Johannesburg, 1 survivor in ICU
• Switzerland (1 case): Confirmed post-disembarkation
• France (1 case): A woman in her 60s on ECMO at Bichat Hospital, Paris
• Spain (1 case): Evacuee at Hospital Gómez Ulla, Madrid
• Canada (1 case): Yukon resident, mild symptoms
• Saint Helena & Tristan da Cunha (1 suspected): UK military airdropped medical supplies

Risk Assessment

Andes hantavirus is the only known hantavirus subtype capable of human-to-human transmission. WHO Director-General Tedros has stated this "is not the start of a COVID-like pandemic." However, with an incubation period of up to 6 weeks (42 days), more cases may emerge as exposed individuals return to their home countries.

The U.S. has reported no confirmed cases, with 41 individuals under CDC monitoring. MV Hondius is undergoing full decontamination in Rotterdam. Global health authorities continue contact tracing and monitoring protocols.

Bottom line: While hantavirus is severe, widespread community transmission is not expected. Avoid contact with wild rodents and their droppings — this remains the most effective prevention. DealCan will continue to monitor the situation.

Related Reports:

• Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak Tracker: Four Canadians Return to BC, Third Ontario Contact Identified (May 11)