3 people isolating in Ontario remain asymptomatic, not being tested for hantavirus

TORONTO — Ontario health officials say three people in the province with connections to a deadly hantavirus outbreak are not currently being tested for the rodent-borne illness, including a visitor to Canada who had contact with someone infected.

Sylvia Jones, the province’s health minister, says the three individuals — a couple in Grey Bruce and a person staying in Peel Region — are still asymptomatic and isolating.

Jones says Ontario’s top doctor suggests testing on asymptomatic people may not produce “appropriate results,” and at this stage it’s best to monitor for symptoms.

Peel Public Health says it is monitoring one person who is a visitor to Canada, not a local resident, and had contact with someone confirmed to have hantavirus.

The Mississauga-based public health unit says that person is staying in isolation and has no symptoms. It describes the risk to the broader community as “very low.”

“We have clear protocols in place to support this person during quarantine and to ensure timely access to health care if needed,” a spokesperson said in an email Monday.

More details about quarantine measures in several provinces are emerging after the evacuation Sunday of a polar expedition cruise that turned into a nightmare for dozens of passengers on board.

Four Canadians are among those who got off the MV Hondius Sunday on an island in Spain’s Canary Islands, and arrived in B.C., where they will continue their quarantine that began on the ship in early May.

Six others are isolating across the country after being potentially exposed to the virus and coming to Canada, some more than two weeks ago, though officials say they are all asymptomatic.

However, the number of positive cases internationally has grown since the evacuation of the ship with American and French officials confirming two more on Monday. That brings the total number of deaths to three and cases to seven, the World Health Organization said Monday.

The passengers isolating in B.C. are expected to quarantine under supervision in lodgings for approximately two more weeks, and then will be reassessed.

Officials said the travellers were asymptomatic before they took off in a plane chartered by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Global Affairs Canada, with support from the Canadian Armed Forces.

A PHAC officer ensured public health measures, including masking and physical distancing, were being followed on the flight.

-With files from Allison Jones

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2026.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press