Hantavirus: Situational update and new PHO IPAC guidance

Dear Colleagues,

As you are likely aware, a cluster of Andes strain Hantavirus infections has been reported among passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius. There have been Canadian travellers identified as passengers on the cruise ship. At this time, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is not aware of any individuals isolating in Ottawa who are involved with the current cluster and anticipates being notified by provincial or federal authorities if a contact will be isolating in Ottawa.

For more information on the current situation for this outbreak, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC’s) Surveillance of hantavirus related diseases and Global Affairs Canada’s Interdepartmental Media Update. PHAC has assessed the likelihood of importation of Andes strain Hantavirus into Canada in the next two weeks as moderate, while the risk of onward spread is considered unlikely because transmission requires close, prolonged contact.

Public Health Ontario (PHO) has developed new guidance for Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Andes strain Hantavirus (published May 8, 2026, available only in English). This guidance outlines recommended additional precautions (in addition to routine practices, such as hand hygiene, point-of-care risk assessment), including airborne, droplet, and contact precautions, PPE recommendations, patient placement considerations, environmental cleaning, transportation, and waste management practices.