WHO assesses the risk of hantavirus spread as low: there is no threat to the population in Armenia
08.05.2026,
14:45
The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Armenia reported that the global risk of hantavirus spread remains low, and the situation in Armenia is under control and there is no threat to the population.
YEREVAN, May 8. /ARKA/. The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Armenia reported that the global risk of hantavirus spread remains low, and the situation in Armenia is under control and there is no threat to the population.
"According to the World Health Organization, on May 2, the UK National Health Coordinator reported cases of severe acute respiratory illness on a yacht sailing under the Netherlands flag," the statement read.
The voyage departed from Ushuaia, Argentina. There were 147 people on board—88 passengers and 59 crew members, representing approximately 23 nationalities.
"As of May 6, seven cases of the disease have been registered: two laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus infection, five suspected cases, three deaths, one patient in serious condition, and three people with mild symptoms. The disease manifested itself as fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid development of pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock," the statement reads.
It is noted that the identified virus is Andean hantavirus, which can rarely be transmitted from person to person, primarily through close and prolonged contact. The primary route of transmission remains contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.
"The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization currently assess the risk to the general population as very low.
Necessary anti-epidemic measures are being implemented, and people on board continue to be monitored," the statement reads.
It is noted that the situation in Armenia is also under control, and there is no threat to the population.
"The risk of hantavirus spread in our country is currently assessed as low, and healthcare authorities continue to monitor international epidemiological developments.
The WHO does not currently recommend imposing any travel or trade restrictions," the statement reads.
"According to the World Health Organization, on May 2, the UK National Health Coordinator reported cases of severe acute respiratory illness on a yacht sailing under the Netherlands flag," the statement read.
The voyage departed from Ushuaia, Argentina. There were 147 people on board—88 passengers and 59 crew members, representing approximately 23 nationalities.
"As of May 6, seven cases of the disease have been registered: two laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus infection, five suspected cases, three deaths, one patient in serious condition, and three people with mild symptoms. The disease manifested itself as fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid development of pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock," the statement reads.
It is noted that the identified virus is Andean hantavirus, which can rarely be transmitted from person to person, primarily through close and prolonged contact. The primary route of transmission remains contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.
"The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization currently assess the risk to the general population as very low.
Necessary anti-epidemic measures are being implemented, and people on board continue to be monitored," the statement reads.
It is noted that the situation in Armenia is also under control, and there is no threat to the population.
"The risk of hantavirus spread in our country is currently assessed as low, and healthcare authorities continue to monitor international epidemiological developments.
The WHO does not currently recommend imposing any travel or trade restrictions," the statement reads.
