MV Hondius Hantavirus Crisis Deepens with Confirmed Canadian Infection

May 18, 2026 Team Contributor

A Canadian passenger linked to the ongoing MV Hondius outbreak has tested positive for the Andes strain of the Hantavirus. This situation has intensified the global health monitoring surrounding the luxury expedition cruise ship.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed the development after a passenger from Yukon, currently hospitalized in Victoria, British Columbia, exhibited mild symptoms following the cruise.

The MV Hondius outbreak has already resulted in multiple confirmed infections and three deaths. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, set sail from Argentina on 1 April and finally docked in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.

Less than a week ago, it allowed 147 passengers and crew members from 23 countries to leave and enter isolation.

Authorities later identified the Andes virus strain, a very rare form of Hantavirus that can be transmitted from one human to another.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer from British Columbia, states that the infected Canadian passenger “did not have contact with the public” during the isolation and transportation procedures.

Health officers have also emphasized that the broader public risk stays low despite the rising international concern.

As per Reuters, the infected individual is among the four Canadians who were previously isolated from the voyage. The patients remain in stable conditions while further monitoring continues for the close contacts.

The World Health Organization has confirmed 10 cases worldwide so far linked to Hantavirus, including infections across North America and Europe.

Passengers from the ship have been dispersed across various countries, with some isolated in specialized medical centres in the United Kingdom and the USA.

Reuters earlier reported that nearly 18 passengers were flown to the US, where many patients are currently under 42-day medical observation due to the incubation period of the virus.

Health experts continue to stress that Hantavirus does not pose a pandemic-level threat like COVID-19, but the unusual human-to-human transmission associated with the Andes strain has prompted intense global surveillance. National health officials and the WHO are continuing contact tracing efforts while monitoring passengers worldwide.

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