Caribbean health officials are monitoring a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship in the Central Atlantic, after several passengers and crew fell ill and deaths were reported.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) said the risk to the Caribbean remains low.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), eight cases have been identified as of May 6 — three confirmed and five suspected —
along with three deaths.

The outbreak was first reported on May 2 by the United Kingdom under international health regulations, with CARPHA alerted the following
day.

Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, including their urine, droppings or saliva. Human-to-human transmission can occur, but it is rare.

CARPHA Executive Director Lisa Indar sought to reassure the public, stating: “At this time, the risk to the Caribbean region 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.”

She also noted that while human-to-human spread is possible, it remains uncommon.

Recognising the Caribbean’s position as a global cruise hub, CARPHA is urging countries to stay alert, particularly at ports of entry.

Indar added that regional systems are already in place to support that effort.

“CARPHA’s Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) and the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS) provide early warnings of public health threats associated with tourism accommodations and maritime travel,” she said.

“These systems enable timely information sharing, strengthen decision-making, and support rapid, targeted responses by national health authorities.”

CARPHA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely with regional and international partners and provide updates as needed.