Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt says no hantavirus cases detected
Egypt’s health authorities said on Friday that the country faces no risk from the hantavirus, stressing that no cases have been detected nationwide and that the overall health situation remains “stable and completely safe.”
In a statement, the Health and Population Ministry said it is closely monitoring reports circulating in some media outlets and on social networks about limited cases linked to a cruise ship outside Egypt. The ministry emphasized that, according to continuous epidemiological surveillance and coordination with national and international bodies, there are “no confirmed infections” within the country.
The ministry noted that the hantavirus has been known to science for many years and is primarily associated with rodents and their environments. Human infection usually occurs through exposure to the excretions of infected rodents, it said. Most types do not spread between people, the statement added, with the rare Andes strain being the only one linked to very limited human‑to‑human transmission in cases of prolonged close contact.
Egypt’s surveillance system operates “efficiently around the clock” at all points of entry, including seaports and airports, and maintains ongoing coordination with the World Health Organization to ensure rapid response to any developments, the ministry said.
Authorities urged the public not to follow rumors or inaccurate information circulating online and to rely solely on official statements issued by the ministry and accredited health bodies.
The ministry reiterated that the current situation “does not warrant any concern” and said it is handling the matter with “full transparency and professionalism.” It pledged to continue closely tracking global epidemiological updates and to take all necessary precautionary measures to safeguard public health.