Ministry of Health (MOH) has informed the public about the global Hantavirus situation following recent international reports linked to a cruise ship incident outside the Pacific region.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses mainly carried by rodents. People can become infected through contact with rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or by inhaling contaminated dust. While rare, it can cause serious illness such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which affects the lungs.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, and in severe cases, shortness of breath.
Most strains are not transmitted between people, although the Andes strain in South America has shown limited human-to-human transmission in close contact situations.
The Ministry noted a recent World Health Organisation briefing about a Dutch-flagged cruise ship travelling from Argentina to Cabo Verde, where 8 cases, including 3 deaths, were reported. The cases were linked to exposure in South America, with no evidence of widespread transmission.
The World Health Organisation has assessed the global public health risk as low.
The Ministry confirmed that no cases have been reported in the Pacific, including Vanuatu, and there are no travel or exposure links to the country. There is no immediate threat, and no travel restrictions or emergency measures are required.
Health authorities are monitoring the situation, ensuring readiness at ports of entry, and reinforcing early detection of severe illness.
The public is encouraged to maintain good hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek medical care if experiencing symptoms, especially after travel.
