The overall risk to the public in Ontario remains low (Halton Public Health May 12, 2026 update).

Hantavirus, Andes strain (ANDV) infections, including fatalities, has been identified among passengers of the MV Hondius cruise ship.

As of May 11, 2026, 9 cases have been reported, including 7 laboratory-confirmed infections, and 3 deaths.

The virus can have lung and kidney complications. Symptoms of HPS usually start to show 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent. Pleaseclick here for more information on the signs and symptoms and prevention.

To minimize your risk:

Eliminate or minimize contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite to reduce your risk of exposure to hantaviruses. Seal holes and gaps in your home or garage to keep rodents from entering these spaces. Place traps in and around your home to decrease rodent infestation. Clean up any easy-to-get food that might attract rodents.

Human-to-human transmission has been documented only for the Andes strain of hantavirus and is uncommon. When transmission has occurred, it has been associated with close and prolonged contact, particularly among household members or intimate partners, and appears most likely during the early phase of illness, when the virus is more transmissible.

Administration is scheduled to begin October 1, 2025 according to Halton Public Health. Limited adult vaccines are currently available.

Eligible infants and high risk children:

Infants born April 1 or after and LESS than 8 months of age up to the end of RSV season (Nov 2025-April 2026 per NACI).

Up to 24 months for those vulnerable to severe RSV disease.

Pregnant people: Abrysvo are be available for women between 32-36 weeks of gestation and delivering in RSV season (Nov 2025-April 2026 per NACI).

Older adults: Arexvy and Abrysvo are available for all individuals aged 75 and older. Adults ages 60-74 may be eligible depending on their risk factor profile- please inquire with your health care provider.

Prevnar 20 is now available for patients who are 65+ and have not previously received Pneumovax or Prevnar 13. Younger patients may also be eligible if you have certain high risk conditions. Please inquire with your family physician if you are interested.

Halton region has not implemented the outbreak immunization strategy- we are not in the outbreak zone. Offering earlier vaccinations outside of OHIP schedule will be at physician’s discretion. Please book an appointment to discuss.

Click here for the latest info from Public Health.

Tick season is upon us! All of Halton is considered a risk area for lyme disease. Click here to learn about how to prevent lyme disease and what to do if you find yourself with a tick.

Publicly funded vaccines areavailable to anybody aged 65-70 in regardless of previous vaccination status.

If you are unsure or your vaccination status or have any other questions, please contact your healthcare provider.