The Ministry of Health and Social Development has said it is closely monitoring a reported hantavirus cluster linked to a cruise vessel outside of the Caribbean region, and is reassuring the public that the current risk to the Virgin Islands remains low. Photo: Internet Source

Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges emphasised that while the hantavirus situation is being taken seriously, there is no immediate cause for concern locally. Photo: GIS/File

According to regional and international public health updates, a small number of cases, including severe illness, have been identified among passengers and crew aboard a vessel currently outside the Caribbean. As of early May, there have been eight reported cases, including three confirmed and three deaths, associated with this incident.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges emphasised that while the situation is being taken seriously, there is no immediate cause for concern locally.

“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low. However, we are working in collaboration with regional partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to utilise enhanced surveillance systems to monitor potential health threats associated with travel and tourism," Dr Georges stated in a press release.

He said port health teams also remain engaged in routine inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.

'Remain mindful of general prevention practices'

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.

Health officials note that the virus is typically associated with specific rodent species not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.

Dr Georges noted that while the risk remains low, the Ministry is encouraging residents to remain mindful of general prevention practices, particularly around rodent control.

Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not addressed promptly.