Canadian Tests Positive for Hantavirus After Cruise Outbreak

Health officials in British Columbia say a Canadian passenger from the cruise ship MV Hondius has tested presumptively positive for hantavirus. The ship was hit by an outbreak in April while sailing from Argentina, and three passengers have already died.

The individual, from Yukon, is one of four people isolating on Vancouver Island after leaving the vessel. Officials say the group has had no contact with the public since arriving in Canada. The case brings the total number of infections to 11, all among cruise passengers.

British Columbia’s senior health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said the test result came back positive on Friday but must still be confirmed by Canada’s national microbiology lab. She stressed that hantavirus is very different from other respiratory viruses like Covid or influenza and does not have pandemic potential.

Of the six Canadians who were on the Dutch flagged ship, two are isolating at home in Ontario, while two couples are isolating on Vancouver Island. So far, none of the other five have tested positive.

The MV Hondius carried 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries. It docked in Tenerife, Spain, less than a week ago, allowing travellers to disembark and enter isolation. The World Health Organisation has recommended 42 days of isolation for each person.

The outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread between humans. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and shortness of breath.

Doctors Without Borders has called the rapid spread “extremely concerning.” Health officials in Congo and Uganda have also reported cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain, which has no vaccine or specific treatment.

Experts say the risk of a major outbreak in Canada remains very low, but the case highlights the need for strict monitoring and extended isolation periods.

Authorities emphasise that early detection and isolation are key to preventing further spread. They are urging travellers returning from affected regions to report symptoms immediately and follow public health guidance to protect communities.

Public health experts say the incident underscores the importance of global cooperation in tackling emerging diseases. They argue that outbreaks like this show how quickly viruses can cross borders, making international surveillance, rapid information sharing, and investment in research critical to protecting populations worldwide.