Egypt says no confirmed hantavirus cases, affirms active surveillance system

CAIRO – 8 May 2026: The Ministry of Health said on Friday there are no confirmed hantavirus cases in the country, citing continuous epidemiological surveillance conducted by its agencies in coordination with relevant national and international authorities.

The ministry stressed that the health situation in Egypt remains “stable and fully safe.”

Egypt’s statement comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) reported two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and five suspected cases aboard a cruise ship as of 4 May, including three deaths and one critically ill patient.

The vessel, identified as the Dutch-flagged MV Hondiu, was sailing from Argentina and Cape Verde in April and was carrying 147 individuals including passengers and crew.

Human hantavirus infection, mainly acquired through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents, is rare but severe and can be fatal.

Limited human-to-human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks involving the Andes virus, a specific hantavirus species.

The hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), one of two syndromes caused by hantaviruses, has a mortality rate of up to 38% among patients who develop respiratory symptoms, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The ministry said it is closely monitoring media and social media reports regarding hantavirus. However, it reassured citizens that the "current situation does not warrant concern."

Egypt’s epidemiological surveillance system operates efficiently around the clock across all entry points, ports, and airports, the ministry said, adding that it is coordinating with WHO and other international bodies to ensure a rapid response to any developments.

The ministry said it is handling the matter with full transparency and professionalism, while prioritizing the safety and health of citizens.

It added that it will continue monitoring the global epidemiological situation and take all necessary precautionary measures to protect public health.