The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has assured that the risk of Hantavirus to the Maldives remains very low, despite recent reports of the virus being detected aboard a cruise vessel operating in the South American region.

In a statement shared on X, the HPA said it is actively monitoring developments and closely following updates provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The agency confirmed that no cases of Hantavirus have been reported in the Maldives to date, and no individuals within the country have been identified as contacts of infected persons.

Hantavirus is a zoonotic infection primarily transmitted from rodents to humans.

It spreads through direct exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

Transmission can also occur through inhalation of airborne particles contaminated with rodent waste, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments.

According to the WHO, while certain individuals may face a higher risk of infection depending on exposure, the overall threat to global public health is currently considered low.