CARPHA: Hantavirus Risk to Caribbean Remains Low

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has provided clear, evidence-based information on the ongoing Hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise vessel MV Hondius, reassuring Caribbean residents that the overall risk to the public remains low.

Hantavirus is a well-documented rodent-borne viral disease with approximately 20 strains present in different parts of the world for decades. The current outbreak is caused by the Andes virus, which is the only known strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission, found primarily in parts of South America including Argentina.

"Based on available evidence, the rodent species that maintains this virus in nature is not present in the Caribbean, and therefore there is no established local source of transmission in our Region."

— Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director, CARPHA

CARPHA's assessment, in alignment with international partners including the WHO, CDC, and UK Health Services Agency, confirms that the risk to the Caribbean public is low. This is because Hantavirus does not spread easily between people, and human-to-human transmission requires very close and prolonged contact.

Hantavirus is NOT COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19 which transmits easily between people, Hantavirus is primarily rodent-borne, and human-to-human spread is uncommon and limited. This fundamental difference means Hantavirus does not have the same potential to cause a global pandemic.

CARPHA encourages the public to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who are unwell, and taking precautions in environments where rodents may be present. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine; care is supportive.

Source: Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)