NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory following a reported hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, currently travelling in the Atlantic Ocean.
In a statement signed by Director General Patrick Amoth, the ministry said the advisory was issued after reports from the World Health Organization indicated that, as of May 7, 2026, eight confirmed cases and three deaths had been recorded among passengers and crew aboard the vessel.
The ministry clarified that Kenya has not recorded any confirmed hantavirus cases and maintained that the risk to the general public remains low.
“There are currently no reported cases in Kenya. The risk to the general public remains low,” the advisory stated.
According to the ministry, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have activated precautionary public health measures, including heightened screening at airports and seaports, surveillance of travellers, and preparedness of rapid response and testing systems.
The ministry described hantavirus as a disease mainly spread through contact with infected rodents such as rats and mice, particularly through contaminated dust, surfaces or rodent waste.
Health officials warned that symptoms can appear between one and eight weeks after exposure and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
The advisory further noted that severe infections can develop into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
The ministry urged the public to maintain clean surroundings, store food safely, wash hands regularly, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings.
Travellers returning from affected areas were advised to monitor their health for up to eight weeks and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever or breathing problems.
The government also cautioned Kenyans against sharing unverified information online and urged the public to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and WHO.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding public health and will provide updates as needed,” the statement said.
The advisory comes amid increased global surveillance of infectious diseases linked to international travel and maritime transport following recent outbreaks reported in several regions worldwide.
