Cyprus prepares for potential hantavirus cases following cruise ship outbreak

Cyprus has finalized a contingency strategy to address potential hantavirus threats after three passengers from a cruise ship died from the Andean strain. Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Elisavet Konstantinou, confirmed on Monday that the plan aligns with European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) protocols. The ECDC measures recommend a 42-day isolation period for contacts, though countries may elect to implement stricter local guidelines. Konstantinou stated that the Andean hantavirus primarily transmits from animals to humans, with rare human-to-human transmission. While health officials classify the current risk level for Cyprus as very low, authorities emphasized that the virus's high mortality rate necessitated proactive measures. There are no currently recorded hantavirus cases on the island. Furthermore, the ministry cautioned citizens about other rodent-borne diseases, advising farmers and residents to maintain clean storage areas and holiday homes to prevent health risks.