The Caribbean Public Health Agency is urging regional countries to remain vigilant after a cluster of hantavirus-related illnesses was reported aboard a cruise ship in the Central Atlantic Ocean.
According to CARPHA, the World Health Organization was notified on May 2 of respiratory illnesses affecting passengers and crew, with one critically ill patient testing positive for hantavirus. As of May 6, there were eight reported cases – three confirmed and five suspected – along with three deaths.
CARPHA Executive Director Lisa Indar said the risk to the Caribbean remains low. She noted that hantaviruses in the Americas are usually spread by wild field rodents rather than urban rat populations, making transmission less likely in the region. She also said human-to-human transmission was rare.
The agency, however, encouraged member states to strengthen vessel surveillance systems and public health protocols, especially at ports of entry, given the Caribbean’s heavy cruise traffic.
CARPHA said its Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) and Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS) continue to support early detection and rapid response to public health threats linked to tourism and maritime travel. (PR)
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