In Washington, D.C., PAHO announced its support for international coordination following a cluster of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic. Health authorities, in collaboration with WHO, are conducting epidemiological investigations and response activities, while PAHO facilitates technical cooperation through regional experts in laboratory diagnosis, clinical management, and infection prevention. The organization is also enabling rapid information exchange among countries via the International Health Regulations mechanism.
Hantavirus is a rodent‑borne virus transmitted primarily through inhalation of particles contaminated with rodent excreta. It is classified into Old World hantaviruses, which cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, and New World hantaviruses, which cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Although rare, HPS can be severe, and in exceptional cases, person‑to‑person transmission has been documented with Andes hantavirus.
PAHO had previously issued an epidemiological alert in December 2025 after observing an increase in cases in endemic countries, particularly in the Southern Cone. By late 2025, eight countries in the Americas reported 229 confirmed cases and 59 deaths. Member States were urged to strengthen surveillance, ensure timely diagnosis, and implement measures to reduce environmental and occupational risks.
In recent years, PAHO has intensified regional preparedness efforts, organizing workshops and technical meetings to strengthen surveillance, laboratory detection, and outbreak response. These initiatives included training in molecular techniques, harmonization of protocols, and integration of ecological surveillance and genetic sequencing. A new regional training workshop is scheduled for June 2026 in Panama.
Regarding the cruise ship event, WHO is coordinating with Member States and operators under the International Health Regulations framework, supporting medical evacuation, risk assessment, and health measures on board. PAHO is providing technical support and sharing detection protocols for New World hantaviruses. Preliminary assessments indicate that the risk to the general population remains low.
Prevention remains the most effective defense, as there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus. Recommendations include reducing contact with rodents, maintaining clean and ventilated spaces, storing food securely, and applying proper cleaning practices in potentially contaminated areas. While cases are uncommon, the persistence of hantavirus in animal reservoirs and environmental conditions continues to pose a public health challenge in the region.
