Health Ministry: No Hantavirus cases in Jamaica 

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says Jamaica has not recorded any cases of hantavirus, while urging the public to remain vigilant as it continues monitoring international reports of the viral disease.

The ministry said it is tracking reports of hantavirus cases identified aboard a cruise vessel off the coast of West Africa, but stressed there is no evidence of local transmission.

“The ministry wishes to assure Jamaicans that, at this time, there are no reported cases of hantavirus in Jamaica,” a statement said Thursday. 

Hantavirus is a viral disease primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their faeces or urine. In rare instances, it may also spread from human to human through close contact, particularly with a specific strain known as the Andes virus, which is typically found in South America.

The ministry reminded the public that early symptoms can resemble influenza and include fever and chills, headaches, muscle aches, particularly in large muscle groups, and fatigue.

It noted that as the illness progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including shortness of breath, coughing, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Health officials are urging persons experiencing these symptoms, particularly after exposure to rodent-infested environments, to seek medical attention promptly. The ministry noted that similar symptoms may also be associated with other illnesses such as leptospirosis and dengue.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, speaking at a post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, said Jamaica’s surveillance systems remain strong.

“We want to reassure the Jamaican public that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Jamaica has not recorded any cases of hantavirus, and our surveillance systems remain robust,” she said.

She added that the country continues to monitor developments in collaboration with regional and international health authorities, noting that the World Health Organization has assessed the global risk of spread as low.

Dr Bisasor-McKenzie also encouraged continued preventive action, including proper sanitation, secure food storage, and rodent control measures in homes and communities.

The ministry said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates if necessary.

A global health response has been activated after more than two dozen passengers from at least 12 countries disembarked from a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak in which several passengers have died and others have fallen ill, prompting international contact tracing and monitoring efforts.

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