Risk of Hantavirus in SVG Remains Low, says Health Ministry 

By S.Browne. Updated 12:10 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy has reported that the risk of hantavirus infection in St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains low at this time.

“This advisory follows a recent update from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which indicated that the overall risk to the Caribbean region is low,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry explained that hantavirus transmission in the Americas is typically associated with wild field rodents rather than urban rodent populations, making the likelihood of spread in St. Vincent and the Grenadines low.

However, it noted that given the Caribbean’s role as a major hub for international travel and cruise activity, heightened surveillance and preparedness continue, particularly at ports of entry.

In collaboration with regional partners, including CARPHA, the Ministry added that monitoring systems such as the Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) and the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS) are being utilised to support early detection and timely response to potential public health threats.

The public is being encouraged to take general precautions, including avoiding contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, practising proper food storage and waste disposal, maintaining clean surroundings to reduce rodent activity, and seeking medical attention if experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, especially following potential exposure.

The Ministry said it will continue to closely monitor the situation with regional and international partners and provide updates as necessary.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was notified on May 2, 2026, of a cluster of respiratory illnesses aboard a cruise ship in the Central Atlantic Ocean. Laboratory testing confirmed hantavirus in one critically ill patient.

As of May 6, 2026, eight cases have been reported, including three confirmed and five suspected cases, with three deaths.

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