Medical Advisory: Andes Hantavirus - Situational Awareness

Issued by: Dr. Azim Kasmani, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner
Date: May 12, 2026

A cluster of confirmed and suspected Andes hantavirus (ANDV) infections, including fatalities, has been identified among passengers of the MV Hondius cruise ship. At this time, all known Ontario contacts associated with this cluster have been identified and are in contact with public health. These individuals are currently self-isolating and under active monitoring.

This communication is being shared out of an abundance of caution. At present, all known Ontario contacts have been accounted for, and the risk to the public remains low. The Ontario Ministry of Health has requested our support in sharing the following guidance, should an individual with previously unrecognized exposure present to a clinic or emergency department.

Assessment of Patients

It is highly unlikely that an individual with Andes hantavirus would present unexpectedly to the hospital or to primary care without prior public health involvement.

Should an individual infected with ANDV, or was exposed to ANDV, present to a clinic or emergency department, clinicians should assess for the presence of an epidemiological link, including:

Travel on an identified flight associated with a confirmed case
Direct contact with a confirmed or suspected case associated with this cluster of hantavirus cases

If you suspect hantavirus infection in a patient, please contact Public Health for assistance with your risk assessment.

If no epidemiological link is identified, patients can be managed according to routine clinical practice.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)

For patients with an epidemiological link and compatible symptoms; airborne, contact and droplet precautions should be implemented. Refer to Public Health Ontario’s Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Hantavirus (Andes Virus), or as current.

Notification and Next Steps

Prior to initiating any testing or arranging patient transfer for patients with suspected ANDV exposure or infection, health care providers are asked to:

Immediately contact the Ministry of Health (MOH), Health System Emergency Management Branch (HSEMB) via the 24/7 Health Care Provider Hotline (1-866-212-2272, ext. 1).
Follow the Notification Pathway for Special Pathogens
Notify Niagara Region Public Health immediately:
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: 905-688-8248 ext. 7330 (toll-free: 1-888-505-6074)
- After hours: 905-984-3690

Hospitals and health care providers are asked not to independently arrange testing or transport without prior consultation.

More Information

Public Health will provide updated guidance if there are any changes to the risk assessment
Contact the Infectious Disease Program at 905-688-8248 ext. 7330
May 8, 2026 Hantavirus Technical Briefing from the Public Health Agency of Canada
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome | Public Health Ontario