Kenya Issues Health Warning After Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak Confirmed by WHO

The Ministry of Health has issued a public health warning after the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed a hantavirus outbreak connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which is currently travelling in the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the WHO, eight people have already been infected, while three others have died from the disease. The infected people include both passengers and crew members on the ship.

In a statement released on Friday, May 8, Director General for Health Patrick Amoth said Kenya has not recorded any hantavirus case so far. He also assured Kenyans that the risk of the virus spreading in the country remains low.

However, the Ministry said health officials are closely monitoring the situation with WHO and other international health agencies to ensure the disease does not spread further.

“The Ministry of Health is aware of the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. WHO has confirmed eight cases and three deaths among passengers and crew members as of May 7, 2026,” part of the statement said.

The Ministry added that there are no reported cases in Kenya at the moment, but health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation carefully.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a dangerous disease primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, such as rats and mice. People can get infected by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings, touching dirty surfaces, or handling contaminated materials.

Health experts say human-to-human transmission is very rare, although some strains of the virus can spread through close contact.

Symptoms of the disease may appear between one and eight weeks after exposure. Some common signs include fever, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting.

In serious cases, the disease can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which affects the lungs and can become life-threatening.

Patrick Amoth said the Ministry of Health has already increased monitoring at airports and seaports across the country. Hospitals and health facilities have also been alerted to watch for travellers showing symptoms linked to the virus.

The government has also prepared emergency response and testing teams in case any suspected case is reported in Kenya.

Kenyans have been advised to maintain good hygiene, keep homes and workplaces free from rats and mice, store food safely, and dispose of garbage properly.

Travellers coming from affected areas have also been asked to monitor their health for up to eight weeks and seek medical help immediately if they develop symptoms connected to the disease.