Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer
Speech
Hantavirus Technical Briefing
May 8, 2026
3:00 PM EST
Thank you for being with us and for joining us this afternoon.
Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. I would like to take this moment to reflect on the history of Indigenous people and to honour the original stewards of the lands where we live and work.
Situation and Risk Assessment
On May 2nd, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of a cluster of people aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius with severe acute respiratory illness, now known to be caused by the Andes hantavirus.
Since that time, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Global Affairs Canada, along with other Government of Canada departments and agencies, have been working with domestic and international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the World Health Organization, to monitor the outbreak on the MV Hondius and to put in place appropriate public health protocols and supports for travellers who will be or have already returned to Canada.
I recognize that Canadians may find the news or images about this issue to be upsetting, given our fairly recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While this is a serious situation, I want to be transparent with Canadians about what we know and what we don't know. This is not a new virus. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that naturally infect rodents and rarely infect humans through contact with infected rodents, their droppings, or saliva.
The species of hantavirus in this outbreak is the Andes virus which is the only species of hantavirus known to cause limited human to human transmission. Andes virus is found in South America and is not found in Canada. At this point in the investigation, it is believed that the first case was exposed while travelling in South America before boarding the cruise ship.
At this time, the overall risk to the general population in connection with this outbreak of the Andes hantavirus is low. Onward spread within Canada is not expected, even if an infected individual were to arrive here. Given the rarity of this virus, it is important that we take a precautionary approach to ensure Canadians are protected.
We can confirm that there were six Canadians on board the ship. Two of those passengers returned to Canada last week, before the outbreak was first identified.
These two passengers, as well as one other Canadian, were on a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, and may have come in contact with a symptomatic individual.
These three Canadians returned to Canada on April 26th and 27th. Two of these individuals are located in Ontario, and one in Québec. They have received guidance to self-isolate and are being actively monitored by local public health authorities.
At this time, none of the three are reporting any symptoms.
In addition, public health investigations are also underway by local authorities regarding three additional Canadians, two in Alberta and one in Ontario, that were on another flight where they may have had brief contact with a confirmed case and have returned to Canada.
I want to be clear that there is no evidence that asymptomatic individuals can spread hantavirus to others. However, as illness could develop at any time, we are recommending these individuals stay isolated until their risk period for the appearance of infection has passed.
Cruise Ship Response
We have also been in touch with the four Canadians who are still on board the cruise ship. At this time, none of those four passengers are reporting any symptoms.
We know this is a challenging time for them. I can only imagine what it is like for all passengers on board not knowing if they may have been exposed nor when they might be able to come home. The Government of Canada is offering support and is working on the process for their safe return to Canada. The MV Hondius is currently en-route to the Canary Islands and is anticipated to arrive on May 9th or 10th. There is a team of experts on board the ship ensuring the safety and health of all passengers before they disembark.
We have arranged for a public health officer from PHAC to travel to the Canary Islands to support the Canadian passengers. This PHAC officer will monitor the process when the Canadians disembark and to ensure that all public health protocols are followed.
Once they arrive in Canada, these passengers will be directed to PHAC officers for screening and next steps, in coordination with local public health authorities.
Hantavirus
While there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, we have the diagnostic capacity and supportive care that is needed in Canada, should a traveller with hantavirus infection require it.
Given the incubation period for the Andes hantavirus, which ranges from one to six weeks, with cases of longer incubation having been reported, it is possible that additional cases may emerge, particularly related to exposures that occurred before containment measures were implemented.
We have robust processes and procedures in place and further spread of the virus within Canada is not expected.
It is also important to note that the hantavirus is quite different from viruses like COVID-19.
Infections with hantavirus are rare, but are a real risk in Canada. However in Canada the source of infection is typically through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva or through contact with contaminated surfaces or environments, particularly when cleaning rodent-infested spaces.
The hantavirus infections found in Canada are caused by the Sin Nombre virus which is not transmitted person to person.
To reduce the risk of infection from all types of hantavirus, we advise people to stay away from rodents, and safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodents.
Conclusion
In closing, I want to reiterate that we are taking this outbreak very seriously. The Government of Canada has stood up a Strategic Response Team to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to this matter.
In addition, I provided an update to my counterparts in the provinces and territories yesterday and we discussed public health measures to contain this outbreak. I want to thank them for their collaboration.
We will continue to work closely with provinces and territories, the World Health Organization, international partners and local authorities, and will provide updates on the measures being taken.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwetch.