Hantavirus: Health Ministry Issues Advisory — ‘Closely Monitoring’ WHO Reports
In an Advisory issued this afternoon (Friday 8th May, 2026), the Ministry of Health said it is closely monitoring reports issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding a cluster of Hantavirus cases linked to an international cruise ship on route to the Canary Islands. At this time, there are no confirmed cases in Trinidad and Tobago and the global risk remains low as international health authorities confirmed eight (8) cases, including three (3) deaths among passengers.
More than 100 passengers remain on the ship, and the WHO is monitoring their health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hantavirus infection symptoms typically start as a flu-like illness, approximately one (1) to eight (8) weeks after exposure, characterized by fever, severe muscle aches (especially in thighs/back), fatigue, and headaches. Within four (4) to ten (10) days, however, this can rapidly progress to severe respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in the lungs, often requiring emergency care.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a viral disease spread primarily through contact with infected rodents and their urine, droppings (faeces), or saliva. People can become infected when virus particles become airborne and are inhaled, particularly during cleaning activities in rodent-infested areas.
Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and has only been documented with the Andes strain involved in this event. Unlike other hantaviruses, the Andes strain of the virus can be transmitted directly between humans, usually involving close, prolonged, or intimate contact with an infected person's bodily fluids (saliva, urine, blood).
How is it spread?
Persons may become infected through:
- Breathing in contaminated dust from rodent urine or droppings;
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth;
- Handling rodents or rodent nests; and
- Consuming food contaminated by rodents.
Symptoms can be mistaken for other viral illnesses, but the rapid progression to breathing difficulties in someone with potential rodent exposure is a critical sign. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop these symptoms after contact with rodents or their droppings.
The Ministry of Health notes that risk may increase during the Rainy Season when rodents move into homes, kitchens, drains and storage areas.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) officially declared an early start to the 2026 Rainy/Wet Season on Tuesday (5th May, 2026).
More on this as it becomes available.
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