Newfoundland and Labrador experts reassure public of minimal hantavirus risk despite 2026 Andes virus cruise ship outbreak

A Memorial University virologist has reassured Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that hantavirus poses minimal risk to the province. The recent outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship involved 11 confirmed cases of Andes virus, a strain distinct from the Sin Nombre hantavirus typically found in North America. The virus is spread by deer mice, which do not inhabit Newfoundland and Labrador. Experts note no hantavirus cases have been recorded in Atlantic Canada since 1994. While human transmission is rare but can be serious—causing pneumonia-like symptoms or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome—the province's wet climate limits aerosolization of the virus from dried rodent feces and urine. Officials emphasize this does not carry pandemic potential and advise against canceling travel or excessive concern.