CARPHA: Low Risk Of Hantavirus Spread In The Caribbean

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]Amid the panic over eight cases of the deadly hantavirus on board the MV Hondius cruise ship, regional health experts say there is no need to be alarmed.

[00:00:10]Speaking virtually with journalists at a media briefing on Monday, executive director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency, Dr. Lisa Indar, explained the current outbreak linked to the cruise ship is caused by the Andes strain of the virus.

[00:00:24]She said that strain is found in rodents primarily in certain parts of South America. This strain is only capable of limited human-to-human transmission, and because the disease is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents and or the excrement, it is unlikely to develop into a pandemic.

[00:00:44]Based on the evidence available, the rodent species that maintains this virus in nature is not present in the Caribbean, and therefore there's no documented established local route of transmission in our region.

[00:01:02]This rare human-to-human transmission usually requires intimate or prolonged exposure.

[00:01:11]Dr. Indar said, nonetheless, CARPHA continues to monitor the situation.

[00:01:16]There is no current antiviral treatment or vaccine.

[00:01:20]Care is supportive, including oxygen therapy and intensive monitoring.

[00:01:27]So, CARPHA advises our member states and the public to remain vigilant but not alarmed.

[00:01:34]CARPHA's Caribbean tailored early warning surveillance and lab laboratory system mechanisms and network is actively monitoring the situation and can detect and respond with need.

[00:01:48]She added, although the risk is low, the public can still take precautions.

[00:01:53]CARPHA encourages the public to always practice good hygiene.

[00:01:58]Include frequent handwashing. Avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Take precautions in environments where rodents may be present. These measures are effective not only for hantavirus, but for a wide range of infectious diseases.

[00:02:20]The MV Hondius, a polar expedition cruise ship, left Argentina on April 1st with 175 passengers and crew on board destined for the Canary Islands. On April 11th, a passenger died from the virus after showing symptoms for 5 days.

[00:02:36]As of May 11th, the WHO has reported seven confirmed cases of the virus among passengers.

[00:02:44]Gregory McBurnie, TTT News.