No Reason for Concern in Aruba Regarding Hantavirus

The Directorate of Public Health (DVG) informs the community that currently there is no reason for concern in Aruba regarding hantavirus. Hantavirus is not a new virus. This virus has been known in the international medical sector for many years. Recently, some cases were reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which caused a lot of information and concern to start circulating on social media and other platforms. DVG informs that for Aruba there is no direct threat; the ship is located far from Aruba and competent authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and conducting their investigations. Hantavirus is a zoonosis that can be transmitted from animals to humans through contact with urine, feces, or saliva of certain types of rodents such as infected mice. In most cases, the virus is not easily transmitted from person to person. Currently, there are no registered cases in Aruba and rodents such as mice and rats in Aruba do not carry this virus. The Directorate of Public Health continues to constantly monitor all international and regional developments that could have an impact on Aruba’s public health, such as the increase in cases of Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, and Measles in different countries in the region. DVG is constantly working on contingency plans to be able to respond quickly if Aruba faces a similar situation. Regarding hantavirus, the community can remain calm. DVG is monitoring, following all developments, and measuring all relevant risk factors regarding public health to protect the wellbeing of the people of Aruba. Your Health, Our Priority. For more information, like our Facebook page Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba, follow us on Instagram directie_volksgezondheid_aruba, follow us on WhatsApp Channel, receive all information in the Aruba Health App, visit www.dvg.aw, call 5224200, or send an email to servicio@dvg.aw.