Canada confirms hantavirus case in passenger from MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak; 3 deaths reported

Canadian authorities confirmed a hantavirus case in a Yukon couple in their 70s who returned from the MV Hondius cruise ship after it departed Argentina in early April. The case brings the confirmed count to approximately 10 passengers and crew across multiple countries, with 3 deaths reported. The outbreak involves the Andes virus (ANDV), the only known hantavirus strain with documented person-to-person transmission capability, though such spread remains rare. The infected individual's traveling companion tested negative. Two other Canadian residents remain under investigation. The World Health Organization assessed global risk as low, though heightened precautions have been implemented internationally. Additional testing is ongoing to characterize the strain and confirm diagnoses among other suspected cases and repatriated passengers.