NAIROBI, Kenya May 8 – The Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius currently travelling in the Atlantic Ocean, amid growing international concern over the deadly viral disease.
In a statement released Friday, the Ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation after the World Health Organization reported eight confirmed cases, including three deaths, among passengers and crew aboard the vessel as of May 7, 2026.
Health authorities, however, assured Kenyans that there are currently no reported cases in the country and maintained that the risk to the general public remains low.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding public health and will provide updates as needed,” Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth said in the advisory.
Hantavirus is a disease primarily spread through contact with infected rodents such as rats and mice. According to the Ministry, infection may occur through breathing contaminated dust, touching contaminated surfaces, or handling rodents and their waste.
The Ministry also warned that in rare cases, a specific strain known as the Andes variant can spread between people through close contact.
Symptoms of the disease can appear between one and eight weeks after exposure and include fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Severe infections can progress into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal respiratory illness that causes breathing difficulties.
As part of precautionary measures, the Ministry said it had intensified surveillance through collaboration with the World Health Organization and other international health agencies.
Authorities have also strengthened screening at airports and seaports, alerted health facilities to remain vigilant for symptoms among travellers, and activated rapid response and testing systems in readiness for any suspected cases.
The Ministry urged members of the public to maintain proper hygiene and rodent control measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Kenyans were advised to keep their surroundings clean and free of rodents, store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and wash hands regularly with soap and water.
Travellers returning from affected areas have been asked to monitor their health for up to eight weeks and seek immediate medical attention if they develop fever or breathing difficulties.
The Ministry further cautioned the public against spreading unverified information and urged Kenyans to rely only on official updates from health authorities and the World Health Organization.
