The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Manitoba on June 4, 2026, citing a hepatitis A outbreak [1].
The advisory serves as a warning for U.S. citizens to exercise increased precautions when visiting the Canadian province to avoid contracting the liver disease. This measure follows a significant rise in infections and severe health complications within the region.
According to the CDC, the outbreak began in April 2025 [1]. By June 4, 2026, the agency reported a total of 784 cases [1]. The scale of the outbreak has grown steadily over the last several weeks; on May 6, 2026, the number of reported cases stood at 658 [1].
The health impact of the virus has been substantial. There have been 165 hospitalizations since the outbreak began [2]. Among those admitted to the hospital, eight patients required intensive care unit treatment [2]. The outbreak has also resulted in four deaths [2].
A Level 1 advisory is the lowest alert level, indicating that travelers should exercise normal precautions. The CDC said it typically issues these alerts to ensure that travelers are aware of current health risks and can take preventative steps, such as vaccination, before departing for the affected area.
Manitoba health officials continue to monitor the spread of the virus. The CDC said the decision to formalize the advisory reflects the persistent nature of the outbreak, which has now spanned more than a year.
“The outbreak has resulted in 784 reported cases, 165 hospitalizations, and four deaths.”
The issuance of a Level 1 advisory indicates that while the risk does not warrant avoiding travel to Manitoba, the sustained nature of the outbreak—lasting over a year—suggests a systemic challenge in containing the virus. The jump from 658 cases in early May to 784 by early June demonstrates that the virus is still actively spreading, necessitating a formal warning to prevent cross-border transmission.
