Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority (Weqaya) said Friday it is closely monitoring, in coordination with international health organizations, reports of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
In a statement, the authority said the current assessment indicates a low level of risk and that the likelihood of the virus reaching Saudi Arabia is “very low,” given the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s early warning channels, epidemiological surveillance tools, food safety monitoring systems, environmental public health controls, border monitoring measures, and preventive procedures in place across the country.
The statement said hantavirus is considered a rare viral disease, but infection can be serious. The virus is typically transmitted to humans through exposure to infected rodents’ secretions, including urine, feces, or saliva, or through inhalation of contaminated particles.
The authority added that human-to-human transmission is uncommon and has been documented only in limited cases linked to a specific strain of the virus and involving prolonged close contact.
Weqaya said the advisory comes as part of its ongoing efforts to promote public health awareness among travelers, particularly during the summer season, which sees increased travel and movement.
The authority urged the public to follow general preventive measures that help reduce the risk of infectious diseases, whether linked to hantavirus or other outbreaks.
It also advised travelers to follow official health guidance, verify preventive requirements before traveling, pay attention to food and water safety, maintain personal hygiene, avoid contact with rodents or areas where they may be present, stay away from unsafe food or unsanitary locations, and ensure appropriate health coverage during travel.
Weqaya called on the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid rumors or unverified reports, stressing that it would announce any public health developments when necessary.
