The situation in Armenia regarding hantavirus is under control, and there is no risk to the population, the Ministry of Health of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The risk of hantavirus spread in Armenia is currently assessed as low, and the country’s health institutions continue to monitor international epidemiological developments. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend applying any travel or trade restrictions at this time.

According to the WHO, on May 2, an alert was received from the UK national health coordinator regarding a cluster of severe acute respiratory illnesses on a cruise ship sailing under the Dutch flag. The cruise had begun in Ushuaia, Argentina. There were 147 people on board: 88 passengers and 59 crew members, of about 23 different nationalities.

As of Wednesday, 7 cases of hantavirus have been reported: 2 laboratory-confirmed cases, 5 suspected cases, 3 deaths, 1 patient in critical condition, and 3 individuals with mild symptoms.

Hantavirus manifested itself with fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapidly progressing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.

The identified virus is Andean hantavirus, which can also be transmitted rarely from person to person, mainly through close and prolonged contact.

The main route of transmission remains contact with urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization currently assess the hantavirus risk to the general population as very low.

Necessary anti-epidemic measures are being implemented, and those on board the aforesaid cruise ship remain under surveillance.