Amid confirmed hantavirus cases among passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship in the Central Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says the risk of infection in the region remains low.
As of May 8, nine cases have been reported, including three deaths. Five infections have been confirmed as hantavirus, specifically the Andes virus, a rare strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission through close, prolonged contact.
Hantaviruses are carried by rodents and can spread to humans through contact with contaminated urine, droppings or saliva.
According to CARPHA, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was notified by the United Kingdom’s International Health Regulations focal point about the outbreak on the MV Hondius.
CARPHA Executive Director Dr Lisa Indar said the current risk to the Caribbean is considered low.
“In the Americas, hantaviruses are most commonly transmitted by wild field rodents rather than urban rat populations, where transmission is less likely,” Indar noted.
Given the Caribbean’s status as the world’s leading cruise destination – accounting for approximately 44 per cent of global cruise traffic and an estimated 16.3 million passengers in 2025 – CARPHA is urging member states to remain vigilant.
The agency is advising countries to review and strengthen vessel surveillance systems and public health protocols, particularly at ports of entry.
CARPHA said it will continue supporting safer tourism in the region through enhanced surveillance systems, including its Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) and the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS), which are used to monitor public health threats linked to tourism and maritime travel.
According to the agency, the CVSS has successfully identified suspected cases before ships arrive at Caribbean ports, with more than 96 per cent of cruise ship alerts reportedly shared with member states within 24 hours.
CARPHA said it is continuing to monitor the situation in collaboration with regional and international partners and will provide updates as necessary.
