Canada expands hantavirus isolation after cruise outbreak

Canada and the United States expanded quarantine and monitoring measures after a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.

International health authorities coordinate quarantine and repatriation operations linked to the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak. Photo: EFE

International health authorities coordinate quarantine and repatriation operations linked to the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak. Photo:EF


May 9, 2026 Hour: 1:04 am

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Six Canadians are under preventive isolation as countries coordinate repatriation efforts linked to the MV Hondius outbreak.


Canadian authorities have increased to six the number of people under preventive isolation following possible exposure to hantavirus, after identifying three additional individuals who shared flights with an infected passenger.

RELATED: Spain Activates MV Hondius Cruise Repatriation Operation

The new cases add to three others already isolated because of their connection to the cruise ship MV Hondius, while four more Canadians remain aboard the vessel as it heads toward the Canary Islands, Spain.

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, , said during a press conference that none of the six isolated individuals has developed symptoms so far.

“There is no evidence that asymptomatic individuals can transmit hantavirus to others,” Reimer said, while recommending preventive isolation until the end of the monitoring period because symptoms may appear later.

Two of the three original suspected cases had been aboard the MV Hondius but disembarked last week before the outbreak was confirmed. Those two individuals, together with a third Canadian, traveled from on a flight that also carried a passenger infected with hantavirus.

Reimer confirmed that the Public Health Agency of Canada remains in contact with the four Canadians still aboard the MV Hondius and said none has shown symptoms. A Canadian health official has been deployed to the to support the passengers. Once repatriated to Canada, they will undergo medical screening and receive isolation guidance.

The announced Friday that 17 U.S. passengers aboard the MV Hondius will be placed in quarantine at a specialized facility in the state of after the ship arrives Sunday in .

According to the CDC, the passengers are expected to be evacuated from the Spanish island on a repatriation flight to . The agency said epidemiologists and medical personnel have already been deployed to Tenerife to assess exposure risks among U.S. passengers and determine the level of monitoring required. Another team will conduct additional evaluations upon their arrival in Nebraska.

Authorities said nearly all countries with citizens aboard the cruise ship, which carries 110 passengers, have confirmed plans to send aircraft to repatriate their nationals once the vessel reaches Tenerife. Two European Union rescue aircraft will transport travelers who do not have assigned flights.

Speaking at a press conference Friday, Canary Islands government spokesperson said countries including , and the had confirmed flights, while Washington would also assist Canada with the repatriation of Canadian citizens. The , and have also confirmed operations.

Around 30 crew members remain aboard the vessel and will continue on the ship when it departs for the Netherlands after passengers disembark.