‘Hantavirus’ risk remains low in Kuwait

11/05/2026

KUWAIT CITY, May 11: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health said on Monday that it is closely monitoring global developments related to Hantavirus following reported infections and deaths aboard a cruise ship that departed Argentina in early April. Ministry spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said the outbreak prompted international health measures, including reporting under global health regulations, contact tracing across several countries, medical evacuations, and strengthened surveillance systems. He added that Kuwait’s public health sector, through the Kuwait Center for Disease Control and Prevention, continues to assess epidemiological indicators, with the latest technical evaluation concluding that the risk of transmission or outbreak within Kuwait remains low due to the absence of widespread global community transmission.

The ministry has implemented precautionary measures, including securing laboratory testing capabilities, enhancing epidemiological investigations, increasing preparedness of health teams, and maintaining coordination with regional and international health organizations. Al-Sanad explained that hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans through exposure to infected rodents or contaminated environments, while human-to-human transmission remains rare and limited to specific strains. He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to ongoing monitoring and rapid response measures to safeguard public health. (KUNA)