Three Canadians linked to a cruise affected by a hantavirus outbreak are currently self-isolating at home in Ontario and Quebec, according to the federal government.
Two Canadian passengers left the ship on the isolated South Atlantic island of St. Helena nearly two weeks ago, as reported by Dutch-based Oceanwide Expeditions. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand noted that they shared a flight back with a third Canadian who wasn’t aboard the vessel.
The health minister of Quebec mentioned that this third individual, from Quebec, is isolating due to possible contact during an international trip with someone infected with hantavirus.
However, a statement from the minister clarified that they “were not in close proximity, and the risk of transmission is therefore extremely low.”
Anand mentioned online that all three Canadians are showing no symptoms and have been self-isolating.
Federal officials have not yet answered questions from The Canadian Press regarding when and where these individuals arrived in Canada or if public-health officials would provide updates to media.
Anand stated in her announcement that Ottawa has reached out to four Canadians still onboard the cruise. Consular officials are heading to the Canary Islands to assess the situation. The ship is expected to dock in Granadilla, Tenerife, on Sunday morning, though this schedule could change.
Anand and Health Minister Marjorie Michel didn’t take questions from reporters but indicated that a team is collaborating across departments while following public-health protocols.
The World Health Organization disclosed Thursday that it has received reports of eight cases related to the MV Hondius outbreak of Andes virus-a type of hantavirus known for its limited human-to-human transmission.
“Given the incubation period of the Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it’s possible that more cases may be reported,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked.
About 150 passengers remaining on board are isolating in their cabins without any symptoms, according to Oceanwide Expeditions based in the Netherlands.
The expedition company stated that the two Canadians who disembarked on April 24 were part of a group of 30 passengers from 12 different countries leaving that day. This included a deceased Dutch man who passed away on April 11 and his symptomatic wife who died shortly after.
The operator also reported another death occurring on May 2 after a woman onboard showed symptoms starting April 28.
Earlier Thursday, Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones confirmed two residents have been self-isolating since returning home and believe they pose no risk for transmission.
“But it is fluid, and we’ll continue to have those monitoring situations,” Jones said during a press conference.
Jones added that public health officials are checking daily on passengers’ isolation compliance.
She also mentioned plans are being made for any other individuals needing repatriation back to Canada and Ontario while ensuring collaboration with federal partners for consistent handling of cases.
The expected incubation and monitoring period will likely last around 30 days.
Past outbreaks involving Andes virus indicate person-to-person transmission generally occurs through close and prolonged contact-especially among household members or caregivers-according to WHO’s director-general.
“That appears to be the case in the current situation,” he explained. “While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low.”
Medics escort a patients, evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship with suspected hantavirus infection, to an ambulance after being flown to Schiphol airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Keep it Factual
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