The Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory after a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. Health officials confirmed that the vessel currently sails in the Atlantic Ocean.
The government said Kenya has not recorded any hantavirus case so far. Officials, however, continue monitoring the situation closely with global health agencies.
According to the World Health Organisation, the outbreak has caused eight confirmed infections aboard the ship. Three passengers and crew members have already died from the disease.
The Ministry released the statement through Director General of Health Patrick Amoth on Friday, May 8. He said Kenyan authorities have activated precautionary surveillance measures across the country.
Health officials stressed that the current public risk in Kenya remains low. They also urged citizens to avoid panic and follow basic hygiene practices.
Hantavirus spreads mainly through infected rodents like rats and mice. Humans usually contract the disease after inhaling contaminated dust particles.
People can also get infected after touching contaminated surfaces or rodent waste. Poor sanitation and unsafe food storage increase the chances of exposure.
Global health agencies say some rare hantavirus strains spread between humans through close contact. Scientists, however, consider such transmission uncommon compared to rodent exposure.
The disease has appeared in several countries over the years. Many outbreaks often emerge in areas with heavy rodent populations.
