TRNC Health Ministry: No citizens on hantavirus ship, situation monitored

In a written statement, the ministry said hantavirus is a virus transmitted through direct contact with rodent urine, faeces or saliva, or via surfaces contaminated by these materials, and can lead to respiratory illness.

It noted that the disease can begin with symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and abdominal pain, and in some cases may progress to respiratory failure.

The ministry stated that there is no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infection, and that patients are managed with supportive care.

It added that the illness is rare globally, and that the latest notification concerns a cruise ship departing from Argentina, where hantavirus cases are more frequently reported.

According to the statement, the World Health Organization has assessed that the risk of spread to the general public remains low, while monitoring of individuals on board continues.

The TRNC Health Ministry confirmed that no TRNC citizens were on the ship.

It said the process is being followed closely by the Ministry in coordination with the Infectious Diseases Control Committee and the Higher Committee for Communicable Diseases, in line with international scientific data and recommendations.