The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) confirmed today that it is closely monitoring, in coordination with international health organizations, the latest developments regarding Hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The authority stated that current assessments indicate a low risk level and a very low probability of the virus entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, citing the effectiveness of early warning channels, epidemiological surveillance tools, and robust port-of-entry monitoring systems.

Weqaya explained that Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious viral disease. It is primarily transmitted to humans through exposure to the secretions of infected rodents—such as urine, feces, or saliva—or through the inhalation of contaminated particles. The authority noted that human-to-human transmission is uncommon and has only been observed in limited cases involving specific strains and prolonged, close contact.