Visit Andean hantavirus has been under increased surveillance in Canada since an outbreak linked to a cruise ship led to the tracking of travelers in the country. The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed that people considered to be at low risk of exposure are being contacted across the country. Here is a clear overview of the situation, the symptoms to watch for, how the virus spreads, and the recommendations from federal and provincial authorities.
On this page
- What We Know About the Outbreak Linked to the MV Hondius
- Who are the people being contacted?
- Low risk or high risk: What's the difference?
- Hantavirus Symptoms to Watch For
- Mode of transmission: what the science says
- Risk to the Population in Canada and Quebec
- Prevention: Official Recommendations
- What should you do if you've traveled recently?
- Myths and misconceptions
- Frequently asked questions
What We Know About the Outbreak Linked to the MV Hondius
The current outbreak is associated with a cruise ship, the MV Hondius, which was sailing in Patagonia at the time of the initial incident. According to data reported by the World Health Organization, there have been eight reported cases to date—six confirmed and two probable—as well as three deaths among the passengers and crew. The virus identified is the Andean hantavirus, the only known strain of hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission.
In Canada, four Canadian passengers on the ship returned home and were placed in supervised isolation in Western Canada for a minimum of 21 days, up to 42 days depending on the possible incubation period.
Key Statistics as of the Date of This Update
| Indicator | Reported data |
|---|---|
| Reported cases (passengers and crew) | 8 (6 confirmed, 2 probable) |
| Death | 3 |
| Canadian passengers who have returned home | 4, placed in supervised isolation |
| Low-risk individuals contacted in Canada | 26 |
| Duration of Supervised Isolation | 21 to 42 days |
Who are the people being contacted?
The Chief Executive Officer of the Public Health Agency of Canada stated at a press conference that the 26 people identified had traveled on the same flight as a confirmed case, although they were not seated nearby and had not had any close contact with the sick person. It is this lack of close contact that justifies their classification as «low risk.».
These individuals are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms and to contact public health authorities if they develop respiratory symptoms or a fever.
Low risk or high risk: What's the difference?
The distinction between the two risk levels determines the type of contact tracing implemented by the authorities. It is based on the nature and duration of contact with a confirmed case.
| Risk level | Exhibition Type | Related Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| High Risk | Close and prolonged contact with a confirmed case | Active Monitoring and Supervised Isolation |
| Low risk | Possible exposure without confirmed close contact (same flight, distant seat) | Self-monitoring, without routine screening |
To remember
- The outbreak is linked to a cruise ship in Patagonia
- The Andes hantavirus, on the other hand, can be transmitted from person to person
- This transmission requires close and prolonged contact
- 26 low-risk individuals are being contacted in Canada
- A low risk means self-monitoring, not isolation
- No symptomatic cases had been confirmed in Canada as of this update
Hantavirus Symptoms to Watch For
According to information released by Health Canada and the Government of Quebec, the symptoms Symptoms usually appear between one and eight weeks after exposure. The initial phase resembles the flu.
Signs of the initial phase
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain, particularly in the thighs, back, and shoulders
- Headaches
- Severe fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
After a few days, the condition can progress rapidly and lead to respiratory distress, a condition known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Anyone who may have been exposed and develops these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
To remember
- The incubation period ranges from one to eight weeks
- The initial phase resembles the flu
- Fever, muscle aches, and fatigue are common symptoms
- Respiratory distress can develop rapidly
- If symptoms develop after exposure, seek medical attention immediately.
- Mentioning your recent travel history helps guide the diagnosis
Have you traveled recently and are experiencing unusual symptoms? Our service locations in Quebec offer in-person consultations and teleconsultation. You can book an appointment online or, to meet your organization's needs, explore our business services.
Mode of transmission: what the science says
Hantaviruses are usually transmitted by inhalation of viral particles from the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents, through direct contact with mucous membranes or by ingesting contaminated food.
The Andes hantavirus has one distinctive feature: it is the only documented strain capable of spreading from person to person. However, this transmission requires close and prolonged contact. To date, according to the authorities, there is no evidence that an asymptomatic carrier can transmit the virus.
The Main Routes of Transmission
- Inhalation of particles from rodent feces
- Direct contact with mucous membranes
- Ingestion of contaminated food
- Close and prolonged contact between people, characteristic of the Andean strain
Risk to the Population in Canada and Quebec
The Public Health Agency of Canada is assessing the risk to the general public as low. In Quebec, the hantaviruses circulating among local rodents are not of the same type and are not transmitted from person to person; there have been only six human cases there since 2005.
As of this update, no symptomatic cases of Andean hantavirus had been confirmed in Canada. However, authorities remain vigilant due to an incubation period of up to eight weeks.
To remember
- The risk to the general public is assessed as low
- Hantaviruses native to Quebec are not transmitted between humans
- Quebec has had only six human cases since 2005
- No symptomatic cases of Andes have been confirmed in the country as of this update
- Caution remains in place due to the long incubation period
- Information changes based on official announcements
Prevention: Official Recommendations
Measures to prevention are based primarily on minimizing contact with rodents and their droppings, as well as on being vigilant after traveling to an affected region.
Recommended Actions
- Avoid any contact with wild rodents and their droppings
- Do not sweep up or vacuum rodent droppings without first moistening them with a disinfectant
- Store food in airtight containers
- Ventilate closed cabins, sheds, and storage units before entering them
- After returning from a trip to South America, monitor your overall health during the following weeks
There is currently no approved vaccine against hantavirus. Treatment consists of supportive care, ideally in a hospital setting.
What should you do if you've traveled recently?
If you have traveled to Patagonia, Argentina, or aboard the ship in question, or if you have been contacted by public health officials, a few reflexes Simple solutions are the way to go.
- Follow the self-monitoring guidelines provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada or your provincial public health authority.
- Write down the date of your last trip and watch for symptoms for eight weeks.
- If you have a fever, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately and mention your recent travel history.
Myths and misconceptions
«The Andes hantavirus spreads easily from person to person»
Nuanced. It is the only known strain capable of spreading from person to person, but this transmission requires close and prolonged contact. Simply sharing a public space does not constitute high-risk exposure.
«Someone without symptoms can infect me»
False. According to the authorities, there is currently no evidence that an asymptomatic carrier can transmit the virus.
«The Quebec hantavirus is the same as the one found in the Andes.»
False. The hantaviruses circulating among rodents in Quebec are not of the same type and are not transmitted from person to person.
«If I don't have any symptoms after my trip, I'm in the clear.»
Nuanced. The incubation period can last up to eight weeks. That is why monitoring continues even in the absence of immediate symptoms.
«A vaccine helps protect you»
False. There is no approved vaccine against hantavirus. Prevention involves minimizing risky exposure, and treatment consists of supportive care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Andes hantavirus?
This is a unique strain of hantavirus, as it is the only one documented to be capable of spreading from person to person through close, prolonged contact. It can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
What symptoms should I watch for after traveling?
Fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, severe fatigue, or digestive problems—especially if accompanied by difficulty breathing—are reasons to seek medical attention promptly, and be sure to mention your recent travel history.
Why were 26 people contacted in Canada?
These individuals traveled on the same flight as a confirmed case, but were not in close proximity or had close contact with that person. They are classified as low-risk and are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms.
Is the risk high for the population in Quebec?
The risk to the general public is considered low. Local hantaviruses in Quebec are not transmitted between humans, and Quebec has reported only six human cases since 2005.
Is there a vaccine or treatment?
There is no approved vaccine against hantavirus. Treatment consists of supportive care, ideally in a hospital setting.
Where should I go for medical care if I'm concerned after a trip?
Our locations in Quebec offer in-person and telemedicine consultations. You can schedule an appointment online and mention your recent travel history during the consultation.
Sources
- Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). canada.ca/sante-publique
- Health Canada — Hantavirus. canada.ca/sante-canada
- World Health Organization (WHO). who.int
- Government of Quebec — Hantavirus. quebec.ca/sante
- Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS). msss.gouv.qc.ca
- Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ). inspq.qc.ca
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