Hantavirus Daily Report · 16 May 2026

What happened on 16 May

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced that one of four MV Hondius passengers repatriated to Canada had tested presumptively positive for Andes hantavirus. The patient, isolating on Vancouver Island, was hospitalized on 14 May with their spouse, who is also experiencing mild symptoms; a third person was taken to hospital for testing out of precaution. Samples were dispatched to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing expected within approximately two days. Canadian officials reported 36 individuals nationally in isolation, including 4 cruise passengers.

The presumptive Canadian case raised the operational case count to 11 pending NML Winnipeg confirmation. ECDC and WHO have not yet incorporated the Canadian announcement into their official tallies, which lag national announcements by typically 24 to 48 hours. The MV Hondius continued its approach to Rotterdam with arrival now expected 17 or 18 May per the Dutch RIVM and Oceanwide Expeditions. No new deaths reported.

24-hour event log (16 May 06:00 → next day 06:00 UTC)

16 May · 20:11

confirmed

Canada: presumptive Andes virus positive in MV Hondius passenger

Public Health Agency of Canada announces presumptive positive Andes virus case in a MV Hondius passenger isolating on Vancouver Island. Hospitalized 14 May with spouse showing mild symptoms. Third contact also hospitalized for precautionary testing. Samples sent to NML Winnipeg for confirmatory testing, results expected within 2 days.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada press release, 16 May 2026

16 May · 10:00

update

ECDC 16 May: cluster total unchanged at 11

ECDC surveillance update maintains cumulative total of 11 cases (8 confirmed + 2 probable + 1 inconclusive) and 3 deaths. No new cases or deaths since previous update. Canadian presumptive announcement post-dates this update and is not yet reflected.

Source: ECDC outbreak surveillance, 16 May 2026

16 May · 14:00

update

Washington State investigates 6 potential contact-traced cases

WA State Department of Health is investigating 6 potential Andes hantavirus contacts, 5 of which involve passengers on an international flight with a confirmed MV Hondius passenger. None symptomatic. Part of the 41 individuals nationally under federal monitoring.

Source: Washington State Department of Health

Canada announces presumptive Andes virus case in MV Hondius passenger isolating on Vancouver Island