Summary
An overview of hantavirus for Canadians, what it is, how rare it is, how it spreads, what the symptoms are, and how to prevent exposure, with context on the current cruise ship outbreak.
You may have seen hantavirus in the news lately, linked to an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship involving Canadian passengers. It’s a rare but serious disease, and the coverage has raised a lot of questions. Here’s what Canadians need to know.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a virus spread primarily through contact with infected rodents, their urine, saliva, or droppings. In North and South America, it causes a serious lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). In Europe and Asia, a different form of the virus causes haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which affects the kidneys.
There is no vaccine and no specific treatment. Supportive hospital care, managing symptoms and keeping the body stable, is the primary approach.
How rare is it in Canada?
Quite rare. As of May 1, 2026, the National Microbiology Laboratory has confirmed 168 cases of hantavirus infection in Canada since active surveillance began in 1994, that’s roughly five cases per year over three decades. Even healthy people can become seriously ill if infected, but the overall risk to the general population is low.
What about the cruise ship outbreak?
The MV Hondius case involves Andes virus (ANDV), a strain of hantavirus found in South America. Unlike the strain common in Canada, Andes virus can in rare cases spread from person to person, though this requires close, prolonged contact with someone who is sick. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the World Health Organization both assess the risk to the general Canadian population from this outbreak as low, and person-to-person spread within Canada is not expected.
How do you get hantavirus in Canada?
The main risk here at home is rodent infestation in and around your home, but exposure can happen anywhere rodents are present, including cottages, trailers, and garden sheds. The virus is typically inhaled when dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine is disturbed, for example, when cleaning out a shed or cabin that has been closed up over the winter.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome appear one to six weeks after exposure and can include:
- fatigue, fever, and chills
- muscle aches and headaches
- nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- coughing
More serious symptoms, shortness of breath and severe difficulty breathing, can follow and progress quickly. If you’ve recently been in contact with rodents or their droppings and develop any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider immediately and mention the possible exposure.
How can you protect yourself?
There is no vaccine, so prevention comes down to keeping rodents out and cleaning up safely if they’ve been present. PHAC recommends:
- Sealing any openings that might let rodents into your home, cottage, or outbuildings
- Storing food, water, and garbage in sealed containers
- Keeping woodpiles away from buildings and yards tidy
If you find rodent droppings, don’t sweep or vacuum, this releases particles into the air. Instead, spray the area with disinfectant or a bleach-water mixture (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), let it soak for 10 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels while wearing rubber gloves. In confined spaces, a HEPA-filtered respirator is recommended.
The bottom line
Hantavirus is serious, but it remains rare in Canada and the risk to most Canadians is low. The cruise ship situation is being actively monitored by PHAC and global health authorities, and the risk of onward spread in Canada is considered unlikely. As with many health risks, awareness and simple preventive steps go a long way.
For the latest updates, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s hantavirus page.
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