Canadian cruise passenger confirmed positive for Andes hantavirus after MV Hondius outbreak

Canada's Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed a positive hantavirus case in a Canadian passenger isolating in British Columbia after disembarking from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which experienced a deadly Andes virus outbreak. The National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg completed laboratory confirmation following an initial presumptive positive result reported May 16 by B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. The patient was hospitalized with mild symptoms including fever and headache. A close contact who travelled with the confirmed case tested negative. No additional cases have been identified; all high-risk contacts are isolating under close public health monitoring. Officials emphasized the overall risk to Canada's general population remains low and highlighted precautionary measures being implemented.