By Caribbean News Global
CASTRIES, St Lucia – The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) advised member states and the public that the risk of infection of hantavirus is low in the Caribbean region. CARPHA is encouraging all member states to remain vigilant. Countries are advised to review and strengthen vessel surveillance systems and public health protocols, particularly at ports of entry.
Dr Lisa Indar, CARPHA executive director assured: “At this time, the risk to the Caribbean region is considered low. In the Americas, hantaviruses are most commonly transmitted by wild field rodents rather than urban rat populations, where transmission is less likely”. Dr Indar also pointed out that although human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is possible, it is rare.
Hantaviruses infect rodents and can be transmitted to humans through animal-to-human contact with contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva.
Recognising the Caribbean’s position as the world’s leading cruise destination, accounting for approximately 44 percent of global cruise traffic, with an estimated 16.3 million passengers recorded in 2025.
Advanced CVSS
CARPHA will continue to support safer tourism across the region through enhanced surveillance mechanisms.
Dr Indar shared that this includes: “CARPHA’s Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) and the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS), which provide early warnings of public health threats associated with tourism accommodations and maritime travel,” adding, “These systems enable timely information sharing, strengthen decision-making, and support rapid, targeted responses by national health authorities.”
The advanced CVSS has already achieved significant success in detecting syndromic cases (suspected cases based on symptoms) before a ship arrives at a Caribbean port; with over 96 percent of all cruise ship alerts being reported to member states within 24 hours.
CARPHA is committed to monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with regional and international partners and will provide updates as necessary.
The document is reviewed by local health authorities before giving permission for the ship to come into port.
“When the ship comes into port then there is further assessment in terms of our officers boarding the ship and ensuring that what is on the report is, in fact, true and of course in situations like these where there is something that is happening, there is even more vigilance,” Dr Bisasor-McKenzie said. Teams from the environment health division are being properly sensitised about Hantavirus, and inspections are being prioritised.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, urged the public to adhere to infection-prevention and control protocols, such as frequent handwashing and self-isolation at the first sign of illness until an assessment can be completed.
The CMO noted that while Jamaica does not currently have the capacity to test for Hantavirus, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) maintains full diagnostic capacity. Additionally, strengthened logistical systems are in place to ensure the rapid transport of samples to their regional laboratory.
“But… just like with COVID, we have the ability to ramp up very quickly in terms of having our own testing, because we do have the equipment that can test. It’s just for us to bring in the reagents and to do the training of the staff… in case we do have any problems,” Dr Bisasor-McKenzie assured.
Dr Bisasor-McKenzie said Hantavirus is usually transmitted to humans who come in contact with urine, faeces and saliva of infected rodents.
The doctor explained, however, that while human-to-human transmission is not typical, the strain identified aboard the ship (the Andes virus) is known to facilitate human-to-human spread.
The CMO noted that human-to-human transmission usually occurs among people who come in contact with respiratory droplets or saliva of an infected person.
With Jamaica being a hub for cruise transportation, the ministry has increased its vigilance and is focused on public health measures, including early detection, timely treatment and reduction of exposure risk.
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